Newsweek Names Duke Among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity for 2024

University earns high rating for nurturing an inclusive work environment

Campus fromt he air.
Image courtesy of University Marketing & Communications.

Newsweek ranked Duke University among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” in 2024, according to a listing published this week.

Duke earned a rating of four-and-a-half stars out of a possible five on the list of large size employers "recognized by their employees for genuinely respecting and valuing individuals from different walks of life."

The methodology for the ranking, which was compiled by research firm Plant-A Insights, was based on a multi-part evaluation that included interviews with human resources professionals, analysis of employer data on demographics, monitoring of companies’ media coverage, and an independent survey of more than 220,000 U.S.-based workers yielding 1.5 million company reviews.

"Companies that acknowledge diversity and institute measures to nurture inclusive work environments are well-poised for the future," according to the listing by Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights Group. "Extensive research indicates that when individuals with diverse perspectives collaborate, it enhances creativity and innovation, contributing to effective decision-making within the workforce."

In recent years, Duke Human Resources has taken steps to meet the needs of its workforce, such as increasing the number of campus lactation spaces and giving staff and faculty the option of selecting their gender identity and pronouns in Duke’s personnel database. Duke’s Office for Institutional Equity has also provided resources to help community members confront systemic racism and, since its creation, the Racial Equity Advisory Council has led Duke’s work toward becoming a more inclusive and equitable place.

“People are at their best when they feel valued and when feel like they can be themselves,” said Antwan Lofton, Vice President for Duke Human Resources. “At Duke, we want to create an environment where our people feel that they can bring their whole selves to their work and where they feel seen, heard and respected. We want our people, in both the academic and health care settings, to feel pride in their work and pride in who they are.”

Duke was included among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” on Newsweek’s list in 2023. Earlier this year, Newsweek also named Duke University as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces,” one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women” and one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families.”

This year, Forbes named Duke University and Duke University Health System among the “Best-In-State Employers” and “Best Employers for Women.” Duke University Health System was named among “America’s Best Large Employers.”

“In order to recruit and retain talented people, especially in a competitive environment, it’s imperative to have an inclusive climate that values what makes each of us unique,” Lofton said. “Regardless of a person’s race or background, we want Duke to be a place where they feel comfortable sharing their gifts.”

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