L’Oréal USA has become the first U.S. company to be certified with the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality [EDGE] global standard for workplace gender equality. The EDGE assessment is the only business certification for gender equality in the workplace that is universally applicable across industries and countries.
 
For the past six months, L’Oréal USA has been participating in EDGE’s certification process, which includes a comprehensive review of the company’s gender policies and practices and a deep analysis of gender data across its entire U.S. workforce of 10,000 employees. As part of the evaluation, L’Oréal surveyed more than 3,000 employees on gender equality as it pertains to recruitment and promotion, leadership training and mentorship, flexible work, company culture and equal pay for equivalent work.

 
The EDGE Certification was granted to L’Oréal USA after an independent verification of the findings by a third-party auditor.

 
“L’Oréal understands that gender equality is critical to our success across all areas of business and also gives us a competitive edge. The EDGE certification brings us a new level of accountability, transparency and a clear understanding of how to benchmark our progress,” said Angela Guy, L’Oréal USA Senior Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion. “We’re committed to taking leadership on this issue and will continue to develop innovative solutions toward achieving ongoing gender balance.”

 
Since its launch at the World Economic Forum in January 2011, more than 60 companies in 29 countries use the EDGE assessment methodology and certification process to create an optimal, balanced workplace for men and women. The methodology and standard enables a company to accurately assess how it performs both at a country and a global level.
 
“L’Oréal USA is a pioneer in its industry and in the U.S. by achieving certification,” said Aniela Unguresan, co-founder of EDGE Certified Foundation. “The process is very rigorous and requires a high level of transparency. As a result of its certification, L’Oréal is showing consumers, investors and employees alike that they are genuinely committed to an issue that is crucial to success in a global marketplace.”

 
As a result of the certification, L’Oréal USA created a customized roadmap towards continued progress in gender equality, which includes a broader adoption of flexible work arrangements and continued development of leaders across both genders. At the global level, L’Oréal is in the process of certifying operations in seven other countries.