GRI Updates Standards on Reporting on Inclusion and Human Rights in the Workplace

The GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) has published two draft standards dedicated to reporting on social issues in the workplace . The new standards, in consultation until September 15, pay particular attention to measures to combat discrimination and protect the human rights of workers. This is a further step in the broader process of reviewing the GRI standards initiated by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) , which aims to strengthen transparency and corporate responsibility on issues such as diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion .

In particular, the update of the information aims to integrate the principles of fairness and respect into corporate practices in a more solid and traceable way and focuses on two key standards:

• GRI 405 – Diversity and Inclusion : organizations are required to provide detailed information on the integration of diversity policies into corporate strategies. Particular attention is paid to the role of top management in monitoring and ensuring consistency between declared commitments and actual practices.
• GRI 406 – Non-discrimination and equal opportunities : aims to identify the structural causes of discrimination, requiring the traceability of the incidents detected and promoting the adoption of concrete measures in favor of vulnerable and underrepresented groups.

The entire review process is based on the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) , which define the fundamental rights of workers, including protection against discrimination and harassment.

“The GSSB has identified the revision of all GRI labor-related Standards as a priority given the universal recognition of the need to protect human rights, with employers required to demonstrate respect for workers’ rights and protection of workers’ well-being,” said Anne Lindsay , GSSB Member. “Diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunity are central issues when it comes to fair and inclusive employment. We urge all stakeholders, from worker representatives to employers and investors, to engage in this consultation to ensure that the revised GRI Standards are not only robust and practical, but also capable of generating meaningful and lasting change for workers around the world.”

The revision of the GRI standards related to work is developed in four phases : after those dedicated to working conditions and career development, the focus is now on rights and protections at work. The process is guided by a tripartite Technical Committee – which includes representatives of workers, employers and trade unions – with the support of a Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group , to ensure representation and concreteness.

A public consultation is currently open , with a deadline of September 15 , inviting stakeholders of all types – from companies to investors, from civil society organizations to individual workers – to give their input. To encourage discussion, the GRI has organized webinars with the participation of ILO experts and the International Organization of Employers (IOE). The next one is scheduled for July 8 .