GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Pharmaceutical Industry Statistics

Diverse leadership boosts pharma innovation, performance, and inclusive clinical trials.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

55% of pharma companies have established DEI councils or committees to guide initiatives, but only 25% have adequate funding

Statistic 2

Women hold approximately 25% of executive positions in the pharmaceutical industry globally

Statistic 3

Ethnic minorities represent about 20% of the workforce in the pharmaceutical sector

Statistic 4

Less than 10% of pharmaceutical executives are from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups

Statistic 5

Only about 8% of CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry are women

Statistic 6

The global pharmaceutical industry’s workforce diversity index is at 45 out of 100, indicating significant room for improvement

Statistic 7

60% of clinical trial participants in major pharma studies are White, with ethnic minorities underrepresented at 20%

Statistic 8

Women in pharma report earning 18% less than men in comparable roles

Statistic 9

Only 12% of senior leadership positions are held by individuals from underrepresented groups

Statistic 10

Less than 5% of clinical trial sites are located in minority communities, limiting access and representation

Statistic 11

The global average pay gap in pharma is 12%, with variations across regions

Statistic 12

Only 20% of clinical research professionals are from minority backgrounds, impacting trial diversity

Statistic 13

40% of new hires in pharma come from diverse backgrounds, showing efforts to increase diversity are taking effect

Statistic 14

The average age of pharmaceutical industry executives is 54 years old, with underrepresentation of younger diverse professionals

Statistic 15

Minority representation in clinical studies increases when small, targeted outreach programs are implemented, leading to more inclusive trials

Statistic 16

Only 15% of entry-level pharma roles are filled by candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, highlighting barriers in early-career hiring

Statistic 17

Women of color in pharma face a 35% higher attrition rate than their white counterparts, due to lack of opportunities and support

Statistic 18

22% of pharmaceutical R&D personnel are women, but only 9% of those women reach senior leadership roles

Statistic 19

Increasing diversity in clinical trial recruitment results in more effective medications for diverse populations, improving health outcomes

Statistic 20

The percentage of black and Hispanic employees in pharma has increased by 5% over the last five years, but remains underrepresented at 15%

Statistic 21

Transparency in reporting diversity metrics improved in 70% of pharma companies after mandatory regulations

Statistic 22

Underrepresented groups constitute 18% of research and development staff in pharma, yet produce over 25% of innovative breakthroughs

Statistic 23

38% of pharma employees from minority backgrounds report experiencing workplace discrimination, impacting retention

Statistic 24

Women professionals in pharma are 12% more likely to leave due to lack of career progression opportunities, underscoring retention issues

Statistic 25

50% of new clinical trial protocols now include diversity criteria, up from 25% five years ago, indicating progress in inclusive research

Statistic 26

Only 14% of pharma companies report having transparent pay equity policies, showing a need for greater wage transparency

Statistic 27

72% of pharmaceutical companies are participating in industry-wide DEI benchmarking efforts, promoting accountability

Statistic 28

48% of pharma professionals from minority backgrounds report experiencing stereotype threat at work, affecting performance and morale

Statistic 29

Public sector and nonprofit pharma organizations tend to have higher diversity representation at 52%, compared to 36% in private sector firms

Statistic 30

The inclusion of diverse patient populations in clinical trials has increased by 15% in the past three years, contributing to more equitable healthcare solutions

Statistic 31

Minority women in pharma earn on average 21% less than their white male counterparts, emphasizing intersectional disparities

Statistic 32

Inclusive hiring practices increase candidate diversity by 24%

Statistic 33

Employee resource groups focused on diversity are present in 65% of top pharma companies

Statistic 34

35% of pharmaceutical companies provide mandatory diversity and inclusion training

Statistic 35

Companies with diverse suppliers report 19% higher innovation revenues

Statistic 36

50% of pharmaceutical companies have a mentorship program aimed at underrepresented groups

Statistic 37

Companies with inclusive cultures report 22% lower turnover rates

Statistic 38

Investment in DEI initiatives increased by 25% globally in 2023 compared to the previous year

Statistic 39

12% of pharmaceutical R&D budgets are allocated to disparities and underserved populations, indicating room for expansion

Statistic 40

Employee perceptions of inclusion predict their likelihood to recommend their employer as a great place to work by 44%

Statistic 41

65% of employees believe that leadership accountability is essential for successful DEI initiatives

Statistic 42

Investment in DEI training programs in pharma companies correlates with a 15% rise in employee retention

Statistic 43

Only 10% of pharmaceutical marketing campaigns incorporate DEI principles, limiting outreach effectiveness

Statistic 44

60% of pharma companies report that DEI initiatives have improved team collaboration and productivity, according to internal surveys

Statistic 45

Investment in supplier diversity programs rose by 30% in 2023, fostering inclusive procurement practices

Statistic 46

Leadership development programs that include DEI components see a 17% higher completion rate among minority employees, signifying greater engagement

Statistic 47

Implementing flexible work arrangements has increased retention of women in pharma by 20%, helping address gender disparities

Statistic 48

Diversity-focused recruitment programs have increased minority applicant pools by 30% in pharma, but only 15% convert into hires, pointing to retention gaps

Statistic 49

Investment in leadership training that emphasizes inclusive management has increased by 25% over the past year, supporting inclusive leadership skills

Statistic 50

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially

Statistic 51

Companies with higher gender diversity are 15% more likely to innovate

Statistic 52

75% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented DEI initiatives, but only 30% have set measurable goals

Statistic 53

Minority-led startups in biotech and pharma received only 2% of venture capital funding in 2022

Statistic 54

Organizations with strong DEI policies are 60% more likely to report high employee engagement

Statistic 55

68% of pharma companies track diversity metrics, but only 22% use these metrics to inform decisions

Statistic 56

Leadership diversity correlates positively with company innovation scores, with a 27% increase when diverse teams are present

Statistic 57

55% of pharmaceutical companies have publicly committed to achieving specific DEI goals by 2030, indicating a growing industry focus

Statistic 58

Globally, the percentage of senior management from diverse backgrounds increased by 8% from 2018 to 2023, showing slow but positive progress

Statistic 59

Companies with a higher share of female leaders see a 23% increase in profitability, reinforcing gender diversity benefits

Statistic 60

72% of clinical trial sites are located in urban or central areas, overlooking rural and underserved communities

Statistic 61

Employee training on unconscious bias has increased by 40% in pharma over the last three years, but only 50% of staff have completed it

Statistic 62

44% of pharma CEOs have publicly committed to increasing workforce diversity by 2030, reflecting leadership buy-in

Statistic 63

80% of pharmaceutical company executives agree that improving diversity will accelerate innovation, yet only 20% have comprehensive strategies

Statistic 64

Only 26% of pharmaceutical company boards have at least 30% women members, reflecting slow progress in gender diversity at the governance level

Statistic 65

40% of job applicants in pharma prefer companies with strong DEI policies

Statistic 66

45% of pharma employees believe their company’s DEI efforts are ineffective, according to internal surveys

Statistic 67

70% of pharma employees agree that leadership commitment to DEI is crucial for success

Statistic 68

About 32% of pharma executives believe the industry is doing enough to promote DEI, indicating a gap in perception

Statistic 69

55% of pharma employees report experiencing bias or microaggressions at work, with minorities more likely to report this

Statistic 70

80% of pharma companies report increased stakeholder pressure to improve DEI, from investors and regulators

Statistic 71

47% of pharma employees feel their workplace supports diversity, but only 25% feel it actively promotes inclusion, indicating a disconnect

Statistic 72

82% of millennial and Gen Z workers in pharma believe that diversity is directly linked to company success

Statistic 73

28% of pharma employees from diverse backgrounds feel they have equal career advancement opportunities, highlighting ongoing challenges

Statistic 74

Approximately 64% of pharma employees believe that their companies should do more to improve inclusion, indicating industry acknowledgment of gaps

Statistic 75

65% of senior leadership in pharma believe their DEI efforts are poorly communicated internally, impeding cultural change

Statistic 76

The percentage of pharma employees who feel they can bring their whole selves to work is at 58%, indicating room for cultural improvement

Statistic 77

41% of pharma professionals believe that DEI benefits are undervalued in their workplaces, highlighting the need for greater recognition of benefits

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Key Highlights

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially
Women hold approximately 25% of executive positions in the pharmaceutical industry globally
Ethnic minorities represent about 20% of the workforce in the pharmaceutical sector
Less than 10% of pharmaceutical executives are from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
Companies with higher gender diversity are 15% more likely to innovate
Only about 8% of CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry are women
The global pharmaceutical industry’s workforce diversity index is at 45 out of 100, indicating significant room for improvement
40% of job applicants in pharma prefer companies with strong DEI policies
75% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented DEI initiatives, but only 30% have set measurable goals
60% of clinical trial participants in major pharma studies are White, with ethnic minorities underrepresented at 20%
Inclusive hiring practices increase candidate diversity by 24%
Women in pharma report earning 18% less than men in comparable roles
Only 12% of senior leadership positions are held by individuals from underrepresented groups

Did you know that companies in the pharmaceutical industry with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially, yet women and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in top roles and clinical trials, highlighting a critical need for more effective DEI efforts across the sector?

Corporate Governance and Recruitment Practices

55% of pharma companies have established DEI councils or committees to guide initiatives, but only 25% have adequate funding

Corporate Governance and Recruitment Practices Interpretation

While over half of pharmaceutical companies have formed DEI councils to promote change, the stark 25% with sufficient funding suggests that genuine inclusion may remain more policy than profit—highlighting the need to invest where it truly counts.

Gender and Ethnic Representation Data

Women hold approximately 25% of executive positions in the pharmaceutical industry globally
Ethnic minorities represent about 20% of the workforce in the pharmaceutical sector
Less than 10% of pharmaceutical executives are from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
Only about 8% of CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry are women
The global pharmaceutical industry’s workforce diversity index is at 45 out of 100, indicating significant room for improvement
60% of clinical trial participants in major pharma studies are White, with ethnic minorities underrepresented at 20%
Women in pharma report earning 18% less than men in comparable roles
Only 12% of senior leadership positions are held by individuals from underrepresented groups
Less than 5% of clinical trial sites are located in minority communities, limiting access and representation
The global average pay gap in pharma is 12%, with variations across regions
Only 20% of clinical research professionals are from minority backgrounds, impacting trial diversity
40% of new hires in pharma come from diverse backgrounds, showing efforts to increase diversity are taking effect
The average age of pharmaceutical industry executives is 54 years old, with underrepresentation of younger diverse professionals
Minority representation in clinical studies increases when small, targeted outreach programs are implemented, leading to more inclusive trials
Only 15% of entry-level pharma roles are filled by candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, highlighting barriers in early-career hiring
Women of color in pharma face a 35% higher attrition rate than their white counterparts, due to lack of opportunities and support
22% of pharmaceutical R&D personnel are women, but only 9% of those women reach senior leadership roles
Increasing diversity in clinical trial recruitment results in more effective medications for diverse populations, improving health outcomes
The percentage of black and Hispanic employees in pharma has increased by 5% over the last five years, but remains underrepresented at 15%
Transparency in reporting diversity metrics improved in 70% of pharma companies after mandatory regulations
Underrepresented groups constitute 18% of research and development staff in pharma, yet produce over 25% of innovative breakthroughs
38% of pharma employees from minority backgrounds report experiencing workplace discrimination, impacting retention
Women professionals in pharma are 12% more likely to leave due to lack of career progression opportunities, underscoring retention issues
50% of new clinical trial protocols now include diversity criteria, up from 25% five years ago, indicating progress in inclusive research
Only 14% of pharma companies report having transparent pay equity policies, showing a need for greater wage transparency
72% of pharmaceutical companies are participating in industry-wide DEI benchmarking efforts, promoting accountability
48% of pharma professionals from minority backgrounds report experiencing stereotype threat at work, affecting performance and morale
Public sector and nonprofit pharma organizations tend to have higher diversity representation at 52%, compared to 36% in private sector firms
The inclusion of diverse patient populations in clinical trials has increased by 15% in the past three years, contributing to more equitable healthcare solutions
Minority women in pharma earn on average 21% less than their white male counterparts, emphasizing intersectional disparities

Gender and Ethnic Representation Data Interpretation

Despite increasing efforts, women and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented and undervalued in the pharmaceutical industry, with disparities in leadership, pay, and clinical trial participation highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive and transparent diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to truly mirror the rich diversity of the populations served.

Impact of Diversity Initiatives and Programs

Inclusive hiring practices increase candidate diversity by 24%
Employee resource groups focused on diversity are present in 65% of top pharma companies
35% of pharmaceutical companies provide mandatory diversity and inclusion training
Companies with diverse suppliers report 19% higher innovation revenues
50% of pharmaceutical companies have a mentorship program aimed at underrepresented groups
Companies with inclusive cultures report 22% lower turnover rates
Investment in DEI initiatives increased by 25% globally in 2023 compared to the previous year
12% of pharmaceutical R&D budgets are allocated to disparities and underserved populations, indicating room for expansion
Employee perceptions of inclusion predict their likelihood to recommend their employer as a great place to work by 44%
65% of employees believe that leadership accountability is essential for successful DEI initiatives
Investment in DEI training programs in pharma companies correlates with a 15% rise in employee retention
Only 10% of pharmaceutical marketing campaigns incorporate DEI principles, limiting outreach effectiveness
60% of pharma companies report that DEI initiatives have improved team collaboration and productivity, according to internal surveys
Investment in supplier diversity programs rose by 30% in 2023, fostering inclusive procurement practices
Leadership development programs that include DEI components see a 17% higher completion rate among minority employees, signifying greater engagement
Implementing flexible work arrangements has increased retention of women in pharma by 20%, helping address gender disparities
Diversity-focused recruitment programs have increased minority applicant pools by 30% in pharma, but only 15% convert into hires, pointing to retention gaps
Investment in leadership training that emphasizes inclusive management has increased by 25% over the past year, supporting inclusive leadership skills

Impact of Diversity Initiatives and Programs Interpretation

The increasing investment and strategic implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the pharmaceutical industry are not only enhancing innovation and employee retention but also revealing a pressing need to expand outreach and retention efforts, as evidenced by the persistent gaps in representation and inclusive marketing practices—highlighting that progress is promising but still a work in progress.

Leadership Diversity and Inclusion Metrics

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially
Companies with higher gender diversity are 15% more likely to innovate
75% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented DEI initiatives, but only 30% have set measurable goals
Minority-led startups in biotech and pharma received only 2% of venture capital funding in 2022
Organizations with strong DEI policies are 60% more likely to report high employee engagement
68% of pharma companies track diversity metrics, but only 22% use these metrics to inform decisions
Leadership diversity correlates positively with company innovation scores, with a 27% increase when diverse teams are present
55% of pharmaceutical companies have publicly committed to achieving specific DEI goals by 2030, indicating a growing industry focus
Globally, the percentage of senior management from diverse backgrounds increased by 8% from 2018 to 2023, showing slow but positive progress
Companies with a higher share of female leaders see a 23% increase in profitability, reinforcing gender diversity benefits
72% of clinical trial sites are located in urban or central areas, overlooking rural and underserved communities
Employee training on unconscious bias has increased by 40% in pharma over the last three years, but only 50% of staff have completed it
44% of pharma CEOs have publicly committed to increasing workforce diversity by 2030, reflecting leadership buy-in
80% of pharmaceutical company executives agree that improving diversity will accelerate innovation, yet only 20% have comprehensive strategies
Only 26% of pharmaceutical company boards have at least 30% women members, reflecting slow progress in gender diversity at the governance level

Leadership Diversity and Inclusion Metrics Interpretation

While 75% of pharma firms have adopted DEI initiatives and 68% track relevant metrics, the industry's persistent gaps in measurable goals, venture funding for minority-led startups, and board gender diversity reveal that true innovation and performance will remain just out of reach until commitment to substantive change surpasses mere statistics.

Pharmaceutical Industry DEI Perceptions and Attitudes

40% of job applicants in pharma prefer companies with strong DEI policies
45% of pharma employees believe their company’s DEI efforts are ineffective, according to internal surveys
70% of pharma employees agree that leadership commitment to DEI is crucial for success
About 32% of pharma executives believe the industry is doing enough to promote DEI, indicating a gap in perception
55% of pharma employees report experiencing bias or microaggressions at work, with minorities more likely to report this
80% of pharma companies report increased stakeholder pressure to improve DEI, from investors and regulators
47% of pharma employees feel their workplace supports diversity, but only 25% feel it actively promotes inclusion, indicating a disconnect
82% of millennial and Gen Z workers in pharma believe that diversity is directly linked to company success
28% of pharma employees from diverse backgrounds feel they have equal career advancement opportunities, highlighting ongoing challenges
Approximately 64% of pharma employees believe that their companies should do more to improve inclusion, indicating industry acknowledgment of gaps
65% of senior leadership in pharma believe their DEI efforts are poorly communicated internally, impeding cultural change
The percentage of pharma employees who feel they can bring their whole selves to work is at 58%, indicating room for cultural improvement
41% of pharma professionals believe that DEI benefits are undervalued in their workplaces, highlighting the need for greater recognition of benefits

Pharmaceutical Industry DEI Perceptions and Attitudes Interpretation

Despite nearly half of pharma employees believing their companies’ DEI efforts are ineffective and only a quarter feeling actively supported in inclusion, the industry faces mounting stakeholder pressure and a clear consensus—over 80% of millennials and Gen Z workers link diversity to success—highlighting a stark gap between ambition and action that risks undermining both innovation and credibility.