The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched a public consultation on significant updates to its sustainability standards concerning diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in the workplace. The revisions aim to enhance how organisations report their efforts to safeguard workers’ rights and combat discrimination.
Approved by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), the proposed changes are part of a broader overhaul of GRI’s labour-related disclosures. The consultation invites global feedback on two revised Topic Standards:
- Diversity and inclusion (updating GRI 405): This draft introduces new disclosures and metrics to improve transparency around how diversity and inclusion policies are implemented within organisational strategies. It also emphasises oversight and accountability mechanisms.
- Non-discrimination and equal opportunity (updating GRI 406): The revisions expand the scope of discrimination reporting to cover both direct and indirect causes. Organisations would be required to provide detailed data on incidents and outline efforts to support vulnerable and under-represented groups.
The updated standards draw on International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, which enshrine fundamental rights protecting workers from discrimination, violence, and harassment.
“Diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunity are central themes in fostering fair and inclusive employment,” said GSSB member Anne Lindsay. “We urge all stakeholders – from workers’ representatives to employers and investors – to take part in this consultation to ensure that the revised GRI Standards are not only robust and practical, but capable of driving meaningful, lasting change for workers everywhere.”
The public comment period is open until 15 September 2025, with stakeholders asked to assess the completeness, clarity, relevance, and feasibility of the drafts via an online questionnaire.
Two global webinars, featuring speakers from the ILO and International Organisation of Employers (IOE), are scheduled for 2 July (0900 CEST) and 8 July (1700 CEST) to present the proposed revisions in detail.
These efforts are part of a wider Labour Standards review, which will ultimately revise eight GRI Topic Standards. The review is being conducted in four phases, with finalised standards expected to begin rolling out from mid-2026, subject to GSSB approval.
The drafting process has been informed by a Technical Committee representing employers, workers, and labour unions, alongside a multi-stakeholder Advisory Group. One final consultation, covering rights and protections at work, is expected later this year.
