When you think of Home Depot, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the endless aisles of tools, gardening supplies and DIY inspiration. But beyond the orange aprons, hammers, nails and shelves stacked high with home improvement essentials, there is more going on behind the scenes than you would expect. How does Home Depot stack up when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts? Does this home improvement giant actually walk the walk, or is it just a buzzword in their corporate lingo? Let’s dive in and find out what the company is really doing to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace – and what that means for you as a shopper.

Who Owns Home Depot?

If you’ve ever wondered who really owns Home Depot, the answer is a bit complicated. Since it’s a publicly traded company, shareholders collectively handle the position. Because of this, no single person or company holds full control of Home Depot’s DEI decisions. The largest shareholders are major institutional investors, like Vanguard Group, BlackRock and State Street Global Advisors. These companies own big portions, but overall no one has a disproportionate majority stake.

At the end of the day, Home Depot is about more than just tools and hardware; it’s a company that’s actively working toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether it’s through supporting DEI initiatives, backing the LGBTQ+ community or focusing on gender equality, they’re showing up and showing out. So, the next time you’re picking up your favorite DIY supplies, you can feel good knowing that Home Depot is making strides to support diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and beyond.

Where Does the Company Stand on DEI?

Yes, Home Depot is committed to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in a pretty significant way. The company has made it a priority to create a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds. It strives to give everyone equal opportunities to grow and succeed.  Their DEI program includes actively recruiting a diverse workforce, offering equal pay and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued.

Home Depot even works with diverse suppliers. They have spent over $3 billion in just 2021 with businesses owned by people of color, women and veterans. They’re even aiming to raise that number to $5 billion, which shows how serious they are about supporting underrepresented communities and boosting economic opportunities. So, consumers who are trying to stay conscious of the companies they shop with can rest assured that Home Depot is doing their part.

Home Depot Is a Proud Ally of the LGBTQ+ Community

Home Depot has been a long-time ally of the LGBTQ+ community, consistently advocating for workplace equality. They even scored well on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which tracks how companies treat their LGBTQ+ employees. Many standards and factors determine their score; these include offering inclusive healthcare benefits, establishing LGBTQ+ employee groups and making sure everyone feels like they can be their authentic self at work.

In the past, the company has also publicly supported LGBTQ+ rights. Their efforts have included sponsoring Pride Month and backing initiatives that raise awareness and provide education about LGBTQ+ issues. Although Home Depot ended its formal partnership with one of its LGBTQ+ programs in 2023, their commitment to inclusion is still very much a part of corporate culture.

What’s the Gender Balance Like at Home Depot?

When it comes to gender diversity, Home Depot is making progress but there is still room to grow. According to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) report, women make up about 40% of the company’s workforce, which is great. But like many industries, especially since Home Depot is all about home improvement and construction, the majority of their teams are male. With that considered, Home Depot has been putting a real focus on increasing the number of women in leadership roles by providing more opportunities to advance.

They even made changes at the top of their corporate ladder. Nearly a third of their Board of Directors are women, which is definitely a step in the right direction. It’s clear they’re working on closing the gender gap, especially in management and leadership positions.