Leroy Merlin Italia has obtained the Gender Equality Certification, fully adhering to the UNI/PdR 125:2022 standards developed by the Italian Standards Body (UNI) and required by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

This recognition attests to the company’s structured commitment to creating a fair and inclusive work environment that values talent and promotes equal opportunities.

This certification, issued by an independent third-party body, is based on an in-depth analysis of Leroy Merlin Italia, evaluated through 33 key indicators, both quantitative and qualitative, divided into 6 fundamental thematic areas, each with a different weight on the overall score. These areas include: culture and strategy, governance, HR processes, growth opportunities and inclusion of women in the company, gender pay equity, protection of parenthood and work-life balance.

Among the points on which Leroy Merlin distinguished itself are gender equality in internal promotions, demonstrating a concrete commitment to equal opportunities that fully reflects the “Human First” policy to which the company adheres.

The evaluators also particularly appreciated the corporate culture of Leroy Merlin Italia, which promotes the sharing, growth, and development of talent and is based on a Plurality Strategy that primarily embraces the themes of intergenerational Cohesion, Gender Equality, and Disability.

“Obtaining the Gender Equality Certification represents the recognition of a path we have been pursuing for years, rooted in the commitment of the Adeo Group and the values of our company. This is certainly a significant achievement, but we interpret it above all as a responsibility and a challenge to constantly improve,” stated Barbara Casartelli, Positive Impact Leader at Leroy Merlin. “At Leroy Merlin, equal opportunities and the valorization of uniqueness are elements of richness and fundamental pillars for the development of our organization. For this reason, we commit ourselves every day to cultivating an inclusive environment where each person is valued for their potential and has equal access to opportunities and the development of their talent. This certification also represents a tool for us to harmonize and formalize our current and future initiatives, laying the groundwork for building an increasingly inclusive company through a concrete action plan towards tangible initiatives that positively and directly impact the people of Leroy Merlin.“

A commitment rooted in the company’s history

For Leroy Merlin, obtaining the Gender Equality Certification represents the natural continuation of a journey that began years ago and is in line with the objectives established by the Adeo Group’s International DE&I Committee. The company has always placed the principles of inclusivity and zero tolerance towards all forms of discrimination at the center of its organizational culture, translating them into concrete actions, as expressed in its Code of Ethics.

The creation of a dedicated cross-functional team has made it possible to develop a structured strategy focused on 3 fundamental pillars: intergenerational cohesion, gender equality, and the inclusion of people with disabilities, forging strategic collaborations with leading organizations.

Concrete initiatives that generate value

Leroy Merlin Italia stands out for its concrete approach to inclusion and equal opportunities, translating its commitment into tangible projects in the areas where it operates. A significant example is the collaboration with Valore D, with whom it has signed the Pact for the Future, a concrete commitment to adopting best practices for the work inclusion, employment, and professional growth of new generations. Furthermore, it is actively involved in the fight against gender-based violence: through a fundraising activity in November 2024, it supported Fondazione Libellula and the RinaSHEta project, an initiative that earned it a special mention at the Libellula Inspiring Companies award. Another example of this commitment is reflected in the activities aimed at generating a positive social impact through sustainable business models. In this context lies GenerAtelier, a social inclusion project developed in partnership with (Ri)Generiamo.

The initiative involves social tailoring workshops in the Milan area, creating laboratories for the production of home textile items made with materials supplied by Leroy Merlin. These products are then sold in Leroy Merlin Italia stores, with a dual objective: to promote environmental sustainability and to empower the activities of social tailoring workshops that are established to offer job opportunities to people in vulnerable conditions, supporting them on a path towards financial autonomy and social reintegration.

The Gender Equality Certification is a formal recognition issued to a company that demonstrates having implemented policies and practices that promote gender equity within the company. This means that the company has demonstrated having adopted concrete measures to reduce the gender gap in various areas, such as equal pay, access to growth opportunities, work-life balance, and inclusion.