The European real estate industry is making strides toward gender equality and broader diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but there is still a long way to go. While DEI is gaining momentum, Europe lags other regions, such as North America and Asia-Pacific, in gender representation. Nevertheless, recent surveys and trends show that the focus on DEI is intensifying, with more companies implementing formal practices and striving for a diverse workforce. INREV, for example, has significantly increased female representation in its events and committees, demonstrating a commitment to leading by example.
However, challenges remain, particularly in collecting and analysing diversity data due to legal and cultural barriers in Europe. Despite these hurdles, there is growing sophistication in DEI strategies, with many companies linking outcomes to compensation and addressing issues like disability and race.
In our first IQ blog in a series on DEI, we take a deeper dive into how the industry is evolving and what steps are being taken to foster greater equality.