GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Industrial Industry Statistics

Most industrial companies see DEI boosts innovation, culture, and performance.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Ethnic minorities comprise around 20% of the workforce in the industrial sector

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The percentage of minority-owned small businesses in manufacturing has increased by 12% over the past five years

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The proportion of Hispanic workers in the industrial industry increased by 9% over five years

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The average age of workers in the industrial sector is 42 years old, highlighting the need for generational diversity initiatives

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The percentage of LGBTQ+ employees in the industrial sector is estimated at 5%, with efforts increasing to support this community

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60% of employees in industrial companies believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation

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70% of industrial firms recognize that inclusive culture reduces employee turnover

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45% of industrial employees feel their company promotes an inclusive work environment

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Nearly 65% of industrial sector employees believe that DEI initiatives have positively impacted their workplace culture

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80% of millennial workers in the industrial sector prioritize DEI when choosing an employer

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85% of employees in the industrial sector agree that diversity fosters better problem-solving

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58% of minority employees in manufacturing report experiencing bias at work

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40% of industrial employees aged 18-24 reported they avoided applying to certain companies due to lack of diversity efforts

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Companies with strong DEI commitments saw a 25% increase in employee engagement scores

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62% of industrial employees support mandatory diversity training

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Employees in companies with diverse senior leadership are 35% more likely to report high job satisfaction

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48% of women in industrial roles report experiencing workplace harassment

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20% of industrial companies have experienced a cyber-attack related to hate speech or discrimination online

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Companies in the industrial sector with diverse leadership teams outperform their less diverse counterparts by 25%

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Women hold approximately 15% of senior leadership roles in the industrial industry

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Women in industrial leadership roles earn on average 20% less than their male counterparts

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The representation of women in the industrial workforce has increased by 8% in the past decade

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30% of industrial industry boards are now composed of women, up from 20% five years ago

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Only 10% of industrial companies have comprehensive DEI programs

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Investment in diversity training in the industrial sector has grown by 30% in the last three years

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Only 22% of industrial companies have actively implemented policies targeting racial equality

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52% of industrial firms report facing challenges in attracting diverse talent

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Only 15% of industrial leadership programs focus explicitly on diversity development

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Companies with high gender diversity are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors financially

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Around 31% of industrial companies have employee resource groups dedicated to racial and ethnic minorities

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The percentage of industrial firms with formal DEI policies has increased from 25% to 45% in the last five years

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Only 12% of industrial companies have implemented programs for supporting neurodiverse employees

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65% of industrial managers believe that increasing diversity will lead to better customer insights

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55% of manufacturing firms have established partnerships with minority-serving organizations

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Only 25% of manufacturing companies report having a dedicated DEI officer or team

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Industrial companies with explicit DEI goals are 40% more likely to achieve them

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70% of industrial companies believe diversity enhances innovation

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33% of industrial companies report difficulty in recruiting candidates from underrepresented groups

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80% of industrial companies have recognized that DEI improves company reputation among potential employees

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Less than 30% of industrial companies have inclusive language policies on their external communications

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90% of industrial HR leaders agree that DEI efforts contribute to better business outcomes

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Workplace safety incidents are 15% lower in companies with diverse leadership teams

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The turnover rate for minority employees in the industrial sector is 10% higher than for non-minority employees

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Key Highlights

Companies in the industrial sector with diverse leadership teams outperform their less diverse counterparts by 25%
Women hold approximately 15% of senior leadership roles in the industrial industry
Ethnic minorities comprise around 20% of the workforce in the industrial sector
60% of employees in industrial companies believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation
Only 10% of industrial companies have comprehensive DEI programs
70% of industrial firms recognize that inclusive culture reduces employee turnover
The percentage of minority-owned small businesses in manufacturing has increased by 12% over the past five years
Investment in diversity training in the industrial sector has grown by 30% in the last three years
45% of industrial employees feel their company promotes an inclusive work environment
Only 22% of industrial companies have actively implemented policies targeting racial equality
Women in industrial leadership roles earn on average 20% less than their male counterparts
Nearly 65% of industrial sector employees believe that DEI initiatives have positively impacted their workplace culture
The representation of women in the industrial workforce has increased by 8% in the past decade

Despite only 10% of industrial companies having comprehensive DEI programs, those embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion are outperforming their peers by 25% and fostering more innovative, engaged, and resilient workplaces—highlighting a critical shift that could transform the industry from the inside out.

Demographic Profiles and Industry Challenges

Ethnic minorities comprise around 20% of the workforce in the industrial sector
The percentage of minority-owned small businesses in manufacturing has increased by 12% over the past five years
The proportion of Hispanic workers in the industrial industry increased by 9% over five years
The average age of workers in the industrial sector is 42 years old, highlighting the need for generational diversity initiatives
The percentage of LGBTQ+ employees in the industrial sector is estimated at 5%, with efforts increasing to support this community

Demographic Profiles and Industry Challenges Interpretation

While ethnic minorities now make up a significant share of the industrial workforce and minority-owned businesses are on the rise, addressing generational gaps and expanding support for LGBTQ+ employees remain crucial steps toward truly inclusive industrial industries.

Employee Attitudes, Perceptions, and Workplace Culture

60% of employees in industrial companies believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation
70% of industrial firms recognize that inclusive culture reduces employee turnover
45% of industrial employees feel their company promotes an inclusive work environment
Nearly 65% of industrial sector employees believe that DEI initiatives have positively impacted their workplace culture
80% of millennial workers in the industrial sector prioritize DEI when choosing an employer
85% of employees in the industrial sector agree that diversity fosters better problem-solving
58% of minority employees in manufacturing report experiencing bias at work
40% of industrial employees aged 18-24 reported they avoided applying to certain companies due to lack of diversity efforts
Companies with strong DEI commitments saw a 25% increase in employee engagement scores
62% of industrial employees support mandatory diversity training
Employees in companies with diverse senior leadership are 35% more likely to report high job satisfaction
48% of women in industrial roles report experiencing workplace harassment
20% of industrial companies have experienced a cyber-attack related to hate speech or discrimination online

Employee Attitudes, Perceptions, and Workplace Culture Interpretation

While robust diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the industrial sector bolster innovation, reduce employee turnover, and enhance workplace culture—especially among millennials—persistent biases and harassment highlight that achieving true inclusivity remains a work in progress, demanding both strategic commitment and ongoing vigilance.

Representation and Leadership in the Industrial Sector

Companies in the industrial sector with diverse leadership teams outperform their less diverse counterparts by 25%
Women hold approximately 15% of senior leadership roles in the industrial industry
Women in industrial leadership roles earn on average 20% less than their male counterparts
The representation of women in the industrial workforce has increased by 8% in the past decade
30% of industrial industry boards are now composed of women, up from 20% five years ago

Representation and Leadership in the Industrial Sector Interpretation

While diversity in industrial leadership is climbing—highlighted by a 10% increase in women on boards over five years—the persistent 20% gender pay gap and women's underrepresentation in senior roles underscore that progress is real but still needs a substantial push toward true equity.

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Only 10% of industrial companies have comprehensive DEI programs
Investment in diversity training in the industrial sector has grown by 30% in the last three years
Only 22% of industrial companies have actively implemented policies targeting racial equality
52% of industrial firms report facing challenges in attracting diverse talent
Only 15% of industrial leadership programs focus explicitly on diversity development
Companies with high gender diversity are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors financially
Around 31% of industrial companies have employee resource groups dedicated to racial and ethnic minorities
The percentage of industrial firms with formal DEI policies has increased from 25% to 45% in the last five years
Only 12% of industrial companies have implemented programs for supporting neurodiverse employees
65% of industrial managers believe that increasing diversity will lead to better customer insights
55% of manufacturing firms have established partnerships with minority-serving organizations
Only 25% of manufacturing companies report having a dedicated DEI officer or team
Industrial companies with explicit DEI goals are 40% more likely to achieve them
70% of industrial companies believe diversity enhances innovation
33% of industrial companies report difficulty in recruiting candidates from underrepresented groups
80% of industrial companies have recognized that DEI improves company reputation among potential employees
Less than 30% of industrial companies have inclusive language policies on their external communications
90% of industrial HR leaders agree that DEI efforts contribute to better business outcomes

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Interpretation

Despite a 30% rise in diversity training and a near doubling of formal DEI policies over five years, only 10% of industrial companies boast comprehensive programs—highlighting that while the sector recognizes the value of diversity, it still has a long way to go from acknowledging the importance to embedding inclusivity into its very blueprint for success.

Workplace Safety, Turnover, and Engagement Metrics

Workplace safety incidents are 15% lower in companies with diverse leadership teams
The turnover rate for minority employees in the industrial sector is 10% higher than for non-minority employees

Workplace Safety, Turnover, and Engagement Metrics Interpretation

While diverse leadership teams boost workplace safety by 15%, the 10% higher turnover rate among minority employees signals that genuine inclusion in the industrial sector still has far to go.