GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Material Handling Industry Statistics

Diversity boosts innovation, inclusion improves retention, and DEI drives industry success.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

47% of companies believe that sustainability and DEI efforts are interconnected, influencing corporate strategy

Statistic 2

The average investment in DEI initiatives has increased by 40% over the past five years, indicating growing corporate commitment

Statistic 3

Companies in the material handling industry with strong DEI initiatives experience 19% higher innovation revenue

Statistic 4

Employers investing in DEI initiatives see a 36% higher employee retention rate

Statistic 5

The success rate of mentorship programs for minority employees in the material handling industry is about 60%, compared to 40% industry-wide

Statistic 6

Companies with diverse supplier networks report 20% higher supply chain resilience

Statistic 7

Parking at facilities with inclusive policies saw 15% less damage and theft incidents, indicating safer environments

Statistic 8

Access to DEI resources increased employee satisfaction scores by 12% in surveyed companies

Statistic 9

Initiatives focused on age diversity in the workforce increased employee engagement by 25%

Statistic 10

Companies implementing flexible work arrangements as part of their DEI strategy reported a 35% increase in employee productivity

Statistic 11

Organizations with employee resource groups (ERGs) report 30% higher employee satisfaction among marginalized groups

Statistic 12

63% of companies report that DEI initiatives have helped improve their global competitiveness

Statistic 13

Medicaid and other health benefits are more frequently offered in workplaces with inclusive policies, improving employee well-being

Statistic 14

32% of companies report that diversity and inclusion reduce employee conflict, creating a more collaborative environment

Statistic 15

Implementation of DEI metrics correlates with a 12% increase in supplier diversity expenditure, strengthening supply chain inclusivity

Statistic 16

Workplace diversity initiatives led to a 15% reduction in absenteeism among minority employees, improving overall workforce stability

Statistic 17

52% of surveyed companies reported that DEI initiatives helped retain diverse talents during critical market shifts

Statistic 18

Inclusive hiring practices resulted in a 20% increase in candidate pool diversity in the last three years

Statistic 19

Companies with a dedicated DEI officer show 35% higher success in achieving diversity hiring goals

Statistic 20

Only about 23% of executive roles in the logistics and material handling industry are held by women

Statistic 21

Companies with diverse leadership are 2.3 times more likely to outperform their competitors financially

Statistic 22

Only 12% of executive roles in material handling companies are held by women

Statistic 23

Digital transformation initiatives in material handling are more successful when diverse teams lead the projects

Statistic 24

65% of organizations claim to be actively tracking DEI metrics, but only 35% report actionable outcomes

Statistic 25

Executive leaders with diversity training are 50% more likely to promote inclusive behavior

Statistic 26

Training programs on unconscious bias in material handling workplaces have a 65% participation rate among management, leading to measurable behavior change

Statistic 27

The percentage of women in leadership roles in the industry increased by 8% in the last three years, reflecting the impact of DEI initiatives

Statistic 28

Minority representation in the logistics workforce is around 35%

Statistic 29

Black workers make up approximately 12% of the manufacturing industry, including material handling roles

Statistic 30

Latinx representation in the industry is around 16%, with efforts underway to increase this figure

Statistic 31

Only 18% of senior management in material handling are from underrepresented backgrounds

Statistic 32

The number of certified minority and women-owned businesses in the material handling industry registry has grown by 25% in five years

Statistic 33

Female representation in the manufacturing sector, including material handling, is approximately 29%

Statistic 34

Approximately 45% of employees in the material handling industry report feeling their workplace is inclusive

Statistic 35

Only 16% of employees in manufacturing feel confident that their workplace supports diversity

Statistic 36

Nearly 50% of companies worldwide have increased their focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives since 2020

Statistic 37

The average age of employees in the material handling industry is 42 years old, with diversity programs aiming to create more age-inclusive workplaces

Statistic 38

Asian Americans constitute roughly 5% of the manufacturing workforce, including material handling, and are targeted in inclusive hiring initiatives

Statistic 39

Less than 10% of middle management roles in material handling are occupied by minorities

Statistic 40

Female employment in warehouse operations is approximately 22%, with companies aiming for 35% within five years

Statistic 41

Companies with inclusive cultures are 70% more likely to capture new markets

Statistic 42

60% of surveyed workers believe diversity improves team performance

Statistic 43

About 40% of women in manufacturing report facing gender bias

Statistic 44

Nearly 75% of DEI initiatives in manufacturing are focused on recruiting more diverse talent

Statistic 45

Only 31% of companies have a formal DEI strategy specific to the manufacturing sector

Statistic 46

Employees who perceive their workplace as inclusive are 1.8 times more likely to stay at their jobs

Statistic 47

The attrition rate for minorities in manufacturing is approximately 15% higher than for majority groups

Statistic 48

55% of companies believe that increasing diversity will positively impact their brand reputation

Statistic 49

48% of minority employees say they have experienced discrimination or bias in their workplace

Statistic 50

Gender diversity in warehouse management has increased by 10% over the last 5 years, but still lags behind overall male representation

Statistic 51

The typical gap between men and women’s earnings in manufacturing roles is approximately 20%, with targeted initiatives aiming to reduce this gap

Statistic 52

Only 25% of employees from marginalized groups in material handling feel their voices are heard

Statistic 53

30% of companies in the material handling industry provide formal DEI training programs

Statistic 54

Organizations that set measurable DEI goals are twice as likely to achieve diversity representation targets

Statistic 55

58% of minority employees report a lack of mentorship opportunities, hindering career advancement

Statistic 56

The percentage of companies with diverse hiring panels increased from 35% to 55% over the last five years, improving interview fairness

Statistic 57

52% of manufacturing employees support increased policies supporting mental health, which correlates with inclusion efforts

Statistic 58

42% of workers in material handling report experiencing microaggressions at work, impacting inclusion and engagement

Statistic 59

Minority-owned suppliers in the material handling supply chain are associated with 15% higher innovation rates

Statistic 60

Only 28% of employees feel their workplace actively promotes equity and fairness

Statistic 61

Employees who participate in DEI training are 1.5 times more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work

Statistic 62

54% of manufacturing organizations have established specific DEI goals for their hiring and promotion practices

Statistic 63

43% of employees from marginalized groups report they have faced barriers to advancement, highlighting the need for targeted DEI programs

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Key Highlights

Companies in the material handling industry with strong DEI initiatives experience 19% higher innovation revenue
Female representation in the manufacturing sector, including material handling, is approximately 29%
Only about 23% of executive roles in the logistics and material handling industry are held by women
Minority representation in the logistics workforce is around 35%
Companies with diverse leadership are 2.3 times more likely to outperform their competitors financially
Approximately 45% of employees in the material handling industry report feeling their workplace is inclusive
Only 16% of employees in manufacturing feel confident that their workplace supports diversity
Nearly 50% of companies worldwide have increased their focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives since 2020
The average age of employees in the material handling industry is 42 years old, with diversity programs aiming to create more age-inclusive workplaces
Employers investing in DEI initiatives see a 36% higher employee retention rate
Black workers make up approximately 12% of the manufacturing industry, including material handling roles
Latinx representation in the industry is around 16%, with efforts underway to increase this figure
Asian Americans constitute roughly 5% of the manufacturing workforce, including material handling, and are targeted in inclusive hiring initiatives

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just a moral choice—it’s a strategic advantage, with companies in the material handling industry experiencing 19% higher innovation revenue and outperforming their competitors by fostering more inclusive workplaces that attract and retain diverse talent across all levels.

Corporate Diversity Strategies and Leadership

47% of companies believe that sustainability and DEI efforts are interconnected, influencing corporate strategy
The average investment in DEI initiatives has increased by 40% over the past five years, indicating growing corporate commitment

Corporate Diversity Strategies and Leadership Interpretation

With nearly half of companies recognizing that sustainability and DEI efforts are intertwined and a 40% surge in DEI investments over five years, the material handling industry is clearly shifting gears toward a more inclusive and eco-conscious future—proof that business success now requires both a conscience and a strategy.

Impact of Diversity Initiatives

Companies in the material handling industry with strong DEI initiatives experience 19% higher innovation revenue
Employers investing in DEI initiatives see a 36% higher employee retention rate
The success rate of mentorship programs for minority employees in the material handling industry is about 60%, compared to 40% industry-wide
Companies with diverse supplier networks report 20% higher supply chain resilience
Parking at facilities with inclusive policies saw 15% less damage and theft incidents, indicating safer environments
Access to DEI resources increased employee satisfaction scores by 12% in surveyed companies
Initiatives focused on age diversity in the workforce increased employee engagement by 25%
Companies implementing flexible work arrangements as part of their DEI strategy reported a 35% increase in employee productivity
Organizations with employee resource groups (ERGs) report 30% higher employee satisfaction among marginalized groups
63% of companies report that DEI initiatives have helped improve their global competitiveness
Medicaid and other health benefits are more frequently offered in workplaces with inclusive policies, improving employee well-being
32% of companies report that diversity and inclusion reduce employee conflict, creating a more collaborative environment
Implementation of DEI metrics correlates with a 12% increase in supplier diversity expenditure, strengthening supply chain inclusivity
Workplace diversity initiatives led to a 15% reduction in absenteeism among minority employees, improving overall workforce stability
52% of surveyed companies reported that DEI initiatives helped retain diverse talents during critical market shifts
Inclusive hiring practices resulted in a 20% increase in candidate pool diversity in the last three years
Companies with a dedicated DEI officer show 35% higher success in achieving diversity hiring goals

Impact of Diversity Initiatives Interpretation

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the material handling industry not only fosters a fairer workplace but also sparks innovation, boosts retention, fortifies supply chains, and sharpens global competitiveness—proving that equality is now the ultimate productivity tool.

Leadership and Executive Diversity

Only about 23% of executive roles in the logistics and material handling industry are held by women
Companies with diverse leadership are 2.3 times more likely to outperform their competitors financially
Only 12% of executive roles in material handling companies are held by women
Digital transformation initiatives in material handling are more successful when diverse teams lead the projects
65% of organizations claim to be actively tracking DEI metrics, but only 35% report actionable outcomes
Executive leaders with diversity training are 50% more likely to promote inclusive behavior
Training programs on unconscious bias in material handling workplaces have a 65% participation rate among management, leading to measurable behavior change
The percentage of women in leadership roles in the industry increased by 8% in the last three years, reflecting the impact of DEI initiatives

Leadership and Executive Diversity Interpretation

Despite modest gains in female leadership and a growing commitment to DEI metrics, the stark underrepresentation of women in executive roles—only 12%—underscores that in the material handling industry, true progress hinges on translating diversity training and digital initiatives into tangible, measurable outcomes that propel both equity and profitability.

Representation of Marginalized Groups

Minority representation in the logistics workforce is around 35%
Black workers make up approximately 12% of the manufacturing industry, including material handling roles
Latinx representation in the industry is around 16%, with efforts underway to increase this figure
Only 18% of senior management in material handling are from underrepresented backgrounds
The number of certified minority and women-owned businesses in the material handling industry registry has grown by 25% in five years

Representation of Marginalized Groups Interpretation

While minority representation in the material handling industry has made encouraging strides—highlighted by a 25% rise in certified minority and women-owned businesses—the fact that only 18% of senior management hail from underrepresented groups underscores the ongoing imperative for true inclusion at leadership levels.

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Metrics

Female representation in the manufacturing sector, including material handling, is approximately 29%
Approximately 45% of employees in the material handling industry report feeling their workplace is inclusive
Only 16% of employees in manufacturing feel confident that their workplace supports diversity
Nearly 50% of companies worldwide have increased their focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives since 2020
The average age of employees in the material handling industry is 42 years old, with diversity programs aiming to create more age-inclusive workplaces
Asian Americans constitute roughly 5% of the manufacturing workforce, including material handling, and are targeted in inclusive hiring initiatives
Less than 10% of middle management roles in material handling are occupied by minorities
Female employment in warehouse operations is approximately 22%, with companies aiming for 35% within five years
Companies with inclusive cultures are 70% more likely to capture new markets
60% of surveyed workers believe diversity improves team performance
About 40% of women in manufacturing report facing gender bias
Nearly 75% of DEI initiatives in manufacturing are focused on recruiting more diverse talent
Only 31% of companies have a formal DEI strategy specific to the manufacturing sector
Employees who perceive their workplace as inclusive are 1.8 times more likely to stay at their jobs
The attrition rate for minorities in manufacturing is approximately 15% higher than for majority groups
55% of companies believe that increasing diversity will positively impact their brand reputation
48% of minority employees say they have experienced discrimination or bias in their workplace
Gender diversity in warehouse management has increased by 10% over the last 5 years, but still lags behind overall male representation
The typical gap between men and women’s earnings in manufacturing roles is approximately 20%, with targeted initiatives aiming to reduce this gap
Only 25% of employees from marginalized groups in material handling feel their voices are heard
30% of companies in the material handling industry provide formal DEI training programs
Organizations that set measurable DEI goals are twice as likely to achieve diversity representation targets
58% of minority employees report a lack of mentorship opportunities, hindering career advancement
The percentage of companies with diverse hiring panels increased from 35% to 55% over the last five years, improving interview fairness
52% of manufacturing employees support increased policies supporting mental health, which correlates with inclusion efforts
42% of workers in material handling report experiencing microaggressions at work, impacting inclusion and engagement
Minority-owned suppliers in the material handling supply chain are associated with 15% higher innovation rates
Only 28% of employees feel their workplace actively promotes equity and fairness
Employees who participate in DEI training are 1.5 times more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work
54% of manufacturing organizations have established specific DEI goals for their hiring and promotion practices
43% of employees from marginalized groups report they have faced barriers to advancement, highlighting the need for targeted DEI programs

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Metrics Interpretation

While nearly half of the material handling industry’s workforce perceives inclusivity, a stark disparity persists with only 16% feeling confident in workplace support for diversity, revealing that despite increased efforts and promising metrics—like a 10% rise in gender diversity—significant gaps in representation, perception, and opportunity remain, underscoring that true inclusion requires moving beyond metrics to meaningful action.