The 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) survey will be available for completion in Q2 of 2019.

Interested and eligible companies can request to receive a pre-populated survey with your company-specific ESG data during the open survey period in 2019.

With a little preparation, completing the GEI Survey and providing additional data can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

1. Start early
Download and review the sample GEI survey.

• There are 67 questions across four areas: Gender statistics, company policies, community engagement and product offerings.
• You do not need to complete the entire survey but the index awards credit for disclosure, increasing the likelihood of membership.
• Review this sample survey ahead of the open survey period in 2019. Please note the survey may change slightly from this sample version.

Review the GEI Index Methodology.

• This provides information on the GEI survey construction, weightings and other frequently asked questions.

2. Get internal support and buy-in

• Membership in the GEI is a testament to your company’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace and can positively impact your business. It’s important to understand how this initiative aligns with your company’s larger diversity strategy.
• Educate internal stakeholders on the GEI for support. Buy-in from senior stakeholders is especially pertinent to ensure success. Click here for an email template for reference.

3. Manage the Process
Request your company-specific GEI Survey.

• Once the survey period officially opens, you can request your company-specific survey from Bloomberg.com/GEI.
• You will receive a survey pre-populated with ESG data from your company’s public filings. Your company can then begin to complete the remaining portions of the survey.
• A Bloomberg representative will be available to guide you through the whole process.

Allocate time and appropriate resources.

• Completion of the GEI survey can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks with participation from various teams including Investor Relations, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability/ESG and Communications.
• Appoint a project manager to help assign data owners, set timelines and ensure accountability.

Check for accuracy.

• Once complete, have your compliance team verify data before submitting for membership.

4. Submit your data and stay in touch

• Once you submit your company’s GEI survey, Bloomberg will begin evaluation and scoring.
• Companies that score above a globally-established threshold become certified GEI members.  Companies are not ranked and there is no cost involved.

5. Promote your GEI membership

• A Bloomberg representative will inform you of your membership status and to complete the membership process.
• Once your company becomes a certified member, work with your PR/Communications department on a marketing & communications plan.
• To help with promoting your membership, you will receive a marketing toolkit from Bloomberg comprising: GEI logos for use on websites and printed collateral, annual GEI data factsheet, press release templates for media coverage, and social media assets.

6. Plan ahead

• Membership is reevaluated on a yearly basis and is determined on data submitted through the annual GEI survey.
• Once you’re familiar with the process and lead time needed, you can build survey participation into your project plan for the upcoming year.