Reputable DEI Awards

A curated list of the most reputable DEI awards globally

At Windō, we spotlight companies that don’t just talk the talk on diversity, equity, and inclusion — they walk it, and get recognised for it. This page features a curated list of the world’s most reputable DEI awards — benchmarks we track because they’re rigorous, trusted, and evidence-led. Whether you’re a jobseeker seeking transparent signals of inclusion, or an employer aiming to stand out for meaningful progress, these awards matter. We break down why each one earns its reputation — from anonymous employee feedback to government-endorsed frameworks — helping you cut through the noise and focus on the benchmarks that genuinely move the dial.

👩‍💼 Gender Equality

1. The Times Top 50 Employers for Women (UK)

  • UK’s most established gender equality benchmark, backed by The Times & Business in the Community, it has over a decade of credibility

  • Rigorously assessed by experts — only 50 make the list each year.

  • Focuses on evidence of impact, not just policies.

2. Equileap Top 100 for Gender Equality (Developed Markets)

  • Global ranking based on 19 indicators like pay equity and leadership.

  • Covers 3,500+ public companies; data is public and methodology transparent.

  • Widely used by investors and tracked via index funds.

3. Fortune 100 Best Large Workplaces for Women (US)

  • Built from anonymous feedback from millions of women (4.6 million in 2019)

  • Focuses on fairness, representation, and advancement.

  • Powered by Great Place to Work’s industry-leading culture analytics.

4. Forbes World’s Top Companies for Women

  • Based on 100,000+ survey responses from women in 37 countries, 6,000 multinational companies evaluated in 2024

  • Evaluates employer reputation, equity, and women in leadership.

  • Independent, peer-reviewed and run by Statista.

5. UK’s Best Workplaces for Women (Great Place to Work UK)

  • 85% of score based on women’s own survey feedback.

  • Now in its seventh year, the program has grown significantly. In 2024, for example, 330 organizations vied for a spot in the medium-size category alone.

  • Tailored to UK workplaces with strong media visibility.

✊ Race & Ethnicity

6. Top Employers for the Black Community (DiversityComm, US)

  • Based on detailed surveys reviewed by a diversity publishing leader.

  • Assesses outreach, advancement, and supplier diversity.

  • Featured in Black EOE Journal — trusted by jobseekers and DEI pros.

7. UK Ethnicity Awards – Top 10 Employers (UK)

  • Independent panel selects standout companies on ethnic inclusion.

  • Awards spotlight impact, not PR — backed by high-profile brands like HSBC.

  • Recognized as the UK’s premier ethnicity inclusion event.

8. LATINA Style 50 (US)

  • 25+ years benchmarking corporate support for Latina professionals.

  • Evaluates promotion, mentorship, and culture across 800+ firms.

  • Endorsed by US federal agencies and top Latino advocacy groups.

9. Top Companies for Black Executives (Fair360, US)

  • Uses hard data to measure representation and advancement outcomes.

  • A specialty ranking from the trusted team behind DiversityInc Top 50.

  • Public signal that Black talent can rise to the top.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Inclusion

10. Equality 100 (Human Rights Campaign, US)

  • 100% score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index = “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”

  • Measures LGBTQ-inclusive benefits, training, policies, and public commitment.

  • in 2025, 765 employers earned 100

11. Stonewall Top 100 Employers (UK)

  • UK’s most respected LGBTQ+ ranking, with tough evidence-based scoring, been running for 15 years

  • in 2024, 246 organizations submitted to the WEI, vying for a Top 100 spot

  • A public mark of trust for LGBTQ+ talent and allies.

12. Stonewall Top Global Employers

  • Recognizes global leaders championing LGBTQ+ inclusion across jurisdictions.

  • Assessed across 7 pillars from global policy to advocacy in high-risk regions.

  • Only ~20 multinationals earn this title each year.

13. Workplace Pride Global Benchmark (Global)

  • Measures LGBTIQ+ inclusion in multinational settings, been running since 2014

  • Awards “Advocate” or “Ambassador” status based on performance.

  • Offers expert feedback, not just scores — trusted by global brands.

14. India Workplace Equality Index (Pride Circle)

  • India’s first benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion at work, launched in 2020

  • Built with support from Stonewall and HRC, tailored to Indian context, cited by the British High Commission and other institutions as a positive driver.

  • Recognized by major MNCs and Indian employers alike.

15–18. HRC Equidad (Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina)

  • HRC’s Latin American equality indices based on four key LGBTQ+ pillars.

  • Endorsed by local NGOs and adapted to each country’s legal landscape.

  • A 100% score earns “Best Place to Work LGBTQ+” status — the regional gold standard.

19. Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index (Gold Standard)

  • Asia’s first comprehensive LGBTQ+ workplace benchmark launched in 2015

  • Judged by Community Business and judging panel of D&I experts

  • Gold tier signals elite performance in inclusion across policy and culture.

20. Japan’s Pride Index – Gold (Work with Pride)

  • Evaluates LGBTQ+ inclusion across five Japan-tailored categories, launched in 2016

  • Gold Award = excellence across policy, culture, visibility, and advocacy.

  • Backed by government ministries and top Japanese employers.

21. Australia Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)

  • National LGBTQ+ benchmark led by Pride in Diversity, launched in 2010.

  • Known for its rigour and employee survey component.

  • Developed with input from Stonewall UK’s methodology but customized to Australian context.

22. Swiss LGBTI Label

  • Backed by major Swiss LGBTI organizations and scientific partners, ensuring credibility and legitimacy.
  • Assessed through a structured, evidence-based certification process with renewal every three years.
  • Adopted by leading employers and public institutions, enhancing its prestige and impact.

♿ Disability Inclusion

23. Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion (Disability:IN & AAPD)

  • Established in 2015. In 2024, 540+ organizations participated, reflecting its broad uptake and authority.

  • Assesses leadership, accessibility, culture, employment practices, and more.

  • Results are public, detailed, and independently verified.

🎖️ Veterans

24. VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer (US)

  • Highest rating in a comprehensive vet-focused employer index.

  • Assesses hiring, development, Guard/Reserve support, and military spouse inclusion.

  • Endorsed by military media and used in best-practice benchmarking.

25. Best for Vets (Military Times, US)

  • Longstanding, independent ranking by trusted veteran news outlet.

  • Survey covers real outcomes: hiring, retention, ERGs, reservist support.

  • Partnered with Fors Marsh for robust and evolving methodology.

26. America’s Best Employers for Veterans (Forbes)

  • Based on 24,000+ US veteran survey responses.

  • Veterans rate their own employers on fairness, development, and values.

  • A direct endorsement from the community it represents.

27. Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – Gold (UK MOD)

  • UK’s top honour for forces-friendly employers, launched in 2014

  • Requires proven action: reservist support, spouse policies, advocacy.

  • Run by the Ministry of Defence, endorsed by government and military.

📈 Socio-Economic Diversity

28. Social Mobility Employer Index (UK)

  • Launched in 2017, ranks the Top 75 employers each year (out of 150+ entrants in 2024)

  • It’s widely cited by the UK government as a tool to encourage employer action on socio-economic diversity

  • Run by an independent charity, with public rankings and shared best practice.