The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has opened public consultation on two updated labor standards focused on diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination, with feedback accepted until 15 September.
The new drafts aim to align corporate reporting with ILO labor rights principles, calling for more detailed disclosures on direct and indirect discrimination, and executive accountability for inclusion strategies.
Final standards are expected to be published from mid-2026 as part of a four-phase overhaul of GRI’s labor-related reporting framework.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched a global public comment period on proposed revisions to two of its core labor standards—Diversity and Inclusion and Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity—as part of a comprehensive update to its labor-related disclosure framework.
The consultation, open until 15 September, invites stakeholders to evaluate the completeness, clarity, relevance, and feasibility of the draft standards and submit feedback via an official questionnaire. These revisions are the next phase in a four-part Labor Standards Review aimed at enhancing transparency around workplace rights and corporate responsibility.
“Diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunity are central themes when it comes to fair and inclusive employment,” said Anne Lindsay, GSSB member. “We urge all stakeholders – from workers’ representatives to employers and investors – to take part in this consultation to ensure that the revised GRI Standards are not only robust and practical, but capable of driving meaningful, lasting change for workers everywhere.”
Key Draft Updates:
Diversity and Inclusion (update to GRI 405): Introduces expanded metrics and disclosures showing how organizations embed diversity and inclusion in strategy and operations, including management oversight and accountability.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (update to GRI 406): Requires in-depth reporting on both direct and indirect forms of discrimination, including incident breakdowns and actions to support vulnerable or under-represented groups.
Both standards are anchored in International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and are designed to align corporate reporting with global norms for protecting human rights at work.
Two global webinars will offer detailed briefings on the proposed changes:
2 July at 09:00 CEST
8 July at 17:00 CEST
Speakers will include experts from the ILO and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Registration is open for all stakeholders.
RELATED ARTICLE: GRI Launches Machine-Readable Taxonomy to Streamline Global Sustainability Reporting
This labor standards review reflects a human rights-based approach to due diligence, ensuring companies report on how they protect dignity and deliver decent work conditions. In total, eight GRI Topic Standards will be revised. Finalized updates, pending GSSB approval, will begin rolling out from mid-2026.
The Labor Project is progressing through four defined phases:
Employment conditions and practices – public comment completed
Working life and career development – public comment completed
Diversity and Non-Discrimination – now open for comment
Rights and protections at work – consultation expected later in 2025
Executives, investors, employers, and civil society leaders are urged to participate and help shape the future of labor reporting.
Follow ESG News on LinkedIn
