Background 

Gattaca, a global talent solutions provider, recognised that its traditional, sales-driven culture lacked focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). The company’s male-dominated structure resulted in gender imbalances, pay gaps and missed opportunities for cognitive diversity. Outdated recruitment practices and non-inclusive employee engagement strategies hindered profitability and competitiveness. Gattaca’s leadership team saw ED&I not only as a moral imperative but as a critical factor in driving long-term business success. In response, the company launched a bold initiative aimed at creating an inclusive culture, improving employee satisfaction and building a diverse workforce.

Approach 

To address these challenges Gattaca integrated ED&I into its core business strategy, focusing on accountability, commitment and community. The company redefined its purpose, vision, mission and values, embedding ED&I into its everyday practices. A Head of ED&I was appointed to lead this transformation, with data collection methods introduced to monitor workforce diversity and inform the gender equity project.

Gattaca rolled out ED&I initiatives such as inclusive recruitment training, delivering 384 hours in the last year. Employee networks were formed, including the LGBTQIA+ Network, Females in Careers and the Menopause Support Network. A mentorship programme resulted in five women being mentored by the CEO. These efforts were supported by partnerships with organisations like Women in Rail, Women in Tech and Inclusive Employers, reinforcing Gattaca’s commitment to inclusion internally and externally.

“Gattaca’s DEI initiative has transformed its culture, creating a more inclusive workplace and driving long-term business success”

Cultural awareness and mental health were also prioritised, with a Mental Health Hub, new Mental Health First Aiders, and webinars on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. A multi-faith and wellbeing room further highlighted the company’s inclusive support. The firm also launched the Materna Grant, a STEM bursary for students from socio-economically deprived backgrounds, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.

Outcomes

Gattaca’s ED&I initiative has transformed the company’s culture and employee engagement. The employee engagement score rose from 7.6 to 8.2, with the diversity and inclusion score increasing to 8.4, above the professional services benchmark. Sixty-five percent of the global workforce participated in diversity data surveys, a 6% increase from the previous year.

Employee feedback reflects inclusion and support, with one staff member noting: “The first words spoken to me on day one were ‘bring your whole self to work.” Gattaca’s clients have benefited from the focus on inclusive recruitment, with workshops and audits supporting their DEI journeys.

Gattaca’s efforts earned recognition on Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2023 list of “Best Staffing Firms to Work For,” establishing the company as a DEI leader driving change in the talent solutions industry.