Thomson Reuters has launched a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Index which ranks the top 100 publicly traded companies globally with the most diverse and inclusive workplaces, as measured by 24 metrics across four key categories: diversity, inclusion, people development and news controversies. The index is then calculated by weighing each metric based on importance in the market and how each company compares with its peers.

The D&I Index is available on Thomson Reuters Eikon, as are the underlying diversity and inclusion metrics, which Thomson Reuters  said can be used to gain insight and help financial professionals screen companies for long-term opportunities and risks in their investments.

Thomson Reuters said the index ratings are supported by its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data, which is designed to transparently and objectively measure the relative performance of over 5,000 companies and provide clients with differentiated insight. Index scores are calculated for each company for the diversity, inclusion, people development and news controversy pillars. Only companies with scores across all four pillars are assigned an overall score (the average of the pillar scores). The top 100 ranked companies with the best overall scores are selected for the index.

"Diversity and inclusion is a fundamental part of our heritage," said Patsy Doerr, global head of corporate responsibility and inclusion at Thomson Reuters. "Not only is diversity and inclusion a strategic objective for Thomson Reuters internally, it also represents another step forward in our commitment to partner with clients to develop best practices in this space. Diversity and inclusion mean fostering a culture where diversity of thought, style, experience and approach is valued and nurtured so innovation can thrive. The business case is clear; in order to attract and retain top talent, this must be a top priority. This new D&I Index demonstrates our central values in action."