INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Balenciaga is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and expanding opportunities for all. Progress is tracked annually through an employee listening survey, with programs and support adjusted accordingly.
This approach enables continuous improvement, reflected in 82% of employees agreeing with the statement “Employees feel they work in a non-discriminatory environment” in 2025, alongside a significant year-over-year reduction in the perception gap between women and men.
The Inclusion and Diversity approach is built on:
Building inclusive foundations,
Empowering through knowledge,
Enabling equitable growth,
Supporting local community.
Building inclusive foundations
As a global House, Balenciaga engages with diverse cultures and communities and ensures its workforce reflects this diversity.
The House works with third-party Inclusion and Diversity experts to identify and remove bias and barriers in its recruitment processes, strengthening its ability to attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Managers are also coached on inclusive hiring practices to support a more diverse workforce.
As part of this commitment, the House uses an AI-powered recruitment platform that focuses on transferable skills rather than solely on professional backgrounds.This tool supports the identification of talent with diverse experiences and promotes fair access to opportunities.
Achieving gender balance across all levels of leadership remains a priority in fostering a more inclusive culture. Today, 60% of the workforce is female, 61% of managerial roles are held by women, and women represent 7 of the 15 members of the Balenciaga Executive Committee. The House ensures equal support and treatment for all parents in the workplace.
The Kering Baby Leave Policy provides equal parental leave opportunities worldwide, regardless of gender. Additionally, the Come Back from Baby Leave Program is structured as a three-step journey designed to prepare employees for their leave, maintain connection during their time away, and support a smooth return. This includes a re-onboarding plan and 12 weeks of flexible work arrangements to enable a successful transition back to work.
Empowering through knowledge
Balenciaga recognizes that education and dialogue are essential to fostering meaningful change. The House has developed an onboarding curriculum for managers and employees worldwide and hosts awareness sessions addressing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and balance in the workplace.
These programs cover key topics such as the foundations of Inclusion and Diversity, addressing bias, breaking the glass ceiling, and rebalancing the mental load. This approach anchors Inclusion and Diversity as a core pillar of the working culture from the outset. To further strengthen inclusive management practices, Balenciaga has enhanced its managerial training, with a focus on feedback and coaching.
In line with the Kering Group’s commitment, the House also supports employees affected by domestic violence by providing resources and a safe, supportive environment.
Enabling equitable growth
Balenciaga provides development opportunities for all employees and maintains a transparent promotion process that supports long-term professional growth, particularly for women.
The House ensures equal opportunity and fosters a culture where managers and employees feel supported in using available tools, processes, and dialogue to advance. Recognizing that women may face specific challenges in the workplace, Balenciaga offers dedicated conversations and mentoring programs, while promoting allyship as a core behavior.
The House is committed to creating a workplace where gender equality is realized in practice. Ensuring equal pay for equal work is a fundamental part of this commitment. Since 2023, Balenciaga has been certified by the Universal Fair Pay Check (Level I), an independent NGO that assesses gender pay gaps and action plans toward equality and fair pay.
Supporting local community
Balenciaga stands against all forms of discrimination and supports organizations working to combat injustice through multi-year financial commitments and advocacy initiatives. See the Impact and Community sections.