There is little information available to indicate that L Brands considers the fair representation of women in the workplace. With a workforce that is 90% female, the company maintains a gender balance – 40-60% women – on its board of directors (50%). However, women are underrepresented in senior executive positions (17%). No information was found regarding the gender composition of the company’s senior management or middle management. Neither were there details about the gender breakdown of its workforce across occupational function, employee turnover or absenteeism rates. There was no information to indicate that the company offers professional development opportunities with specific support for women employees.
In the supply chain, no information was available concerning gender equality in leadership or whether the company addresses the systemic discrimination that women face, for example by requiring suppliers to have a policy in place that explicitly protects pregnant and married women workers.
However, L Brands has taken specific actions to increase its support for women-owned businesses by launching a supplier diversity initiative. This initiative requires suppliers to be certified by a third party such as the Women Business Enterprise, which states that suppliers must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman or group of women. However, there is no information about the company’s total procurement spend that is directed to women-owned businesses.
Though no details were available regarding recognition agreements with local trade unions or collective bargaining agreements currently in place, the company expects suppliers to respect the rights of workers to establish and join organisations without risk of discrimination, harassment, interference or retaliation.