Inclusion & Belonging

The shortlisted finalists for the 2026 British Diversity Awards has been announced, celebrating the individuals and organisations championing diversity, equity and inclusion across the UK.

Here are four trends shaping the future of work and what employers must do to thrive.

Barbie has introduced its first autistic doll, marking a significant step for representation and inclusion in the toy industry.

As the UK marks Ethnicity Pay Gap Day on 8 January, stark reminders of racial pay inequality are appearing on the streets of London and Manchester, as a national campaign calls for fair pay and greater transparency and accountability in the workplace.

The sustainability transition is no longer being driven by policymakers – it’s being led by business. As 2026 begins, companies are proving that purpose, resilience and profitability are not competing priorities, but increasingly inseparable.

Nine in 10 employers anticipate hiring challenges to persist this year, with skills shortages and technology-driven change topping the list of concerns.

More than 60% of Chinese onshore listed companies plan to maintain or increase investments in climate action and emissions reduction initiatives, according to a new white paper.

Corporate commitment to women’s advancement is declining, career support is becoming more uneven and women are now less interested than men in being promoted or pursuing leadership roles, reveals new research.

Nearly half of US workers now believe they will need at least $1 million to retire comfortably, yet only 27% think they will actually get there, according to new research.

Almost half of people with disabilities in the UK say their disability or health condition makes it harder to hold down a job or progress at work, according to new research.