The Co-operative Group routinely collects data on the demographic profile of its workforce to inform the business’s diversity practices. The sexual orientation of employees is monitored both through all stages of the employment cycle and as part of the retailer’s all staff survey and diversity census. To ensure staff have confidence disclosing personal information, the diversity census clearly explains how collecting this data contributes to a more inclusive workplace culture and stresses confidentiality. This is supported by additional guidance in all-staff communications from senior leaders.
Analysis of the data takes place quarterly in areas such as recruitment and selection, the distribution of staff by level or grade, and staff satisfaction. Recent analysis of pay and reward established that LGB staff’s pay is comparable with straight employees. However, it was also established that there was a notable difference between gay men, lesbians and bisexual staff, with gay men earning more on average per year. This information, along with other notable trends, was reported to senior management and will be addressed in
The Co-operative’s diversity strategy.
As a result of The Co-operative’s work to foster confidence in their monitoring processes, 91 per cent of staff have declared their sexual orientation. Recognising the importance of transparency, The Co-operative have published anonymous aggregate data on their website and publicised this information in an advert for Manchester Pride.