The Organization Has Obtained Its Second EDGE Certification At EDGE Move Level
World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization tackling some of the world’s greatest environmental challenges, has received its second EDGE Move Certification, further cementing its longstanding commitment to workplace gender equity.
EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender and intersectional equity. The certification process involves a rigorous third-party review of representation across the pipeline, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices, and inclusiveness of an organization’s culture. The EDGE assessment consists of an analysis of statistical data, a review of policies and practices, and a comprehensive employee survey to assess perceptions of career development opportunities in the workplace.
EDGE Move certification is the second of three EDGE certification levels and showcases WRI’s progress toward workplace gender equity. This is a recertification for WRI, which obtained its initial certification at EDGE Assess level in 2020.
The EDGE Certification process shows that WRI has continued investing in its commitment to becoming an industry leader as a gender-equal workplace over the last two years. With this new certification, WRI has levelled up to tier 2, the EDGE Move Certification, by enhancing its policy framework and making improvements to company practices based on employee feedback. The certification highlights that WRI has improved its EDGE Standard in four out of five areas, including equal pay for equivalent work; recruitment and promotion, flexible working and organizational culture. WRI is now focused on continued improvements to leadership development training and mentoring to improve their EDGE standard even further.
Compared to the overall representation of men and women at each level of the organization, both genders are represented well in core functions especially those with P&L responsibility. The gender pay gap assessment also shows that there is no risk associated with pay equity.
The employee survey demonstrates that women’s general perceptions for career development opportunities within WRI has improved since its previous assessment, and both male and female employees agree that both genders are given equal opportunities within the organization. More than 50% of both men and women survey respondents would recommend working in the organization to a friend.
WRI is committed to improving their its Certification via an Action Plan for additional progress, including improving the transparency of the promotion process and criteria, extending lengths of paid paternity and maternity leave to at least 16 weeks and setting gender equity targets throughout management in time for its recertification in 2024.
“Each of us at WRI has the responsibility to create a working environment where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds can learn together,” said Renuka Iyer, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We are all responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive workplace where questions, concerns, and information about diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of our ongoing dialogue and development. Across the organization, WRI is focused on the pursuit of a more just, inclusive and sustainable future and our EDGE Move certification concretely supports our vision of a more equitable and diverse workplace.”
Aniela Unguresan, Founder of EDGE Certified Foundation, is pleased to see the progress made by WRI since its previous EDGE Certification: “It has been an honour working with WRI on this journey which sees them progress to the EDGE Move Certification level. This achievement showcases the organization’s significant progress on many levels from gender representation to the practices and policies and improved employees’ workplace experiences, where the organization met the EDGE standard in almost every area.”
ABOUT WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. Our more than 1,700 experts and staff work in 60 countries, with international offices in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, regional offices in Ethiopia (for Africa) and the Netherlands (for Europe), and program offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information at www.wri.org or on Twitter @WorldResources.
