Virgin Group and supermarket Lidl GB have been shortlisted in the category Best benefits to support diversity, equity and inclusion at the Employee Benefits Awards 2025.
The award, which was introduced in 2023, recognises the measures an employer has taken to support inclusion and diversity among its workforce. Judges looked for initiatives that address the different benefits and communication techniques utilised to ensure that all employees are supported and feel able to be themselves at work.
The full category shortlist is:
- Housing 21
- Lidl GB
- PepsiCo UK&I
- Virgin Group
Last year, Natwest Group won the award due to its introduction of a variety of benefits to drive inclusivity to help attract, recruit, retain, reward and engage its employees to achieve its diversity, equity and inclusion goals. These included menopause, neurodiversity and gender transition support, partner leave and the launch of more than 1,000 allies across the organisation as part of its ethnicity ally programme.
It was recognised due to its inclusive and accessible approach to the engagement and promotion of its benefits, along with its aim to simplify and digitise its offering to increase accessibility and ease of use.
The judges said: “It had personalised its offering despite being a large organisation and its focus on ally networks was strong, particularly with its male network discussing menopause.”
The 23rd annual Employee Benefits Awards is the event of the year for the reward, benefits and HR industry, providing the opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence through reward and benefits strategies.
The daytime event, which will be held at the Honourable Artillery Company, London, on Friday 27 June, will include a drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment and the chance to network with industry professionals. The after-party will feature live music in the venue’s private grounds.
For more information and to book your table.
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