Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’s Gold Standard?

US-based non-profit Camber Outdoors, the outdoor industry’s specialists on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, releases its third report.

The outdoor industry has historically struggled with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues, particularly in terms of representation of underrepresented groups such as people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness and effort to address these issues.

Camber Outdoors is a non-profit organization in the United States that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoor industry through industry leadership, community building, and job placement initiatives. It works with over 200 companies, including many familiar outdoor brands such as Osprey, Scarpa, Petzl, Hydro Flask, and Tentree.

Since 2020, the Camber Survey System has been tracking the DEI progress of its partners with the goal to “measure progress across committed Camber partners in creating inclusive cultures, equitable, supportive systems and the attraction and retention of a diversity of talent.” The results of the survey are published in Camber’s annual Workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report, developed in cooperation with Claremont Graduate University.

Its third and latest report found substantial partner progress towards offering inclusive benefits and in promoting employees from underrepresented communities (10% and 8% increase respectively compared to 2020). On the other hand, nearly half of all employees reported that they feel they are not paid equitably for their work (49%), and perceptions of their organization’s professional development of underrepresented communities remained low in most categories.

“The Camber Survey System strives to be an industry gold standard providing the necessary insights to evoke systemic change – pathways for the underrepresented and ultimately making the outdoor industry – workplaces and spaces – inclusive for all,” says Tiffany Smith, CEO of Camber Outdoors.

The findings are based on the responses of 50 Camber partners and nearly 3,000 U.S. based employees, capturing and at times contrasting the perspectives of both the organization’s executives and its employees.

Photo: iStock

SUSTON
jonathan.eidse@norragency.com


More Stories

Turning anxiety into action: Lessons from the Tarfala Think Tank

At the Tarfala Think Tank, sustainability leaders face climate realities head-on, blending discussions with time in the mountains to reignite hope and action.

By Gabriel Arthur

“To make a greater impact, our industry must collaborate even more”

The outdoor industry faces mounting challenges, but EOG’s new Director Christian Schneidermeier argues that deeper collaboration can drive real impact.

By Gabriel Arthur

The path to zero waste: Outdoor brands share best practices

While the road to textile landfills is wide, fast, and cheap, the path to zero waste is winding, slow, and costly. Yet, more outdoor brands are choosing sustainability over convenience. Discover how waste reduction and the circular economy are transforming the outdoor industry.

By Martina Wengenmeir

Hyosung unveils next-gen recycled & bio-based fibers at Performance Days

Hyosung is unveiling its latest recycled and bio-based textile innovations at Performance Days Munich, offering brands high-performance, sustainable fiber solutions.

By Hyosung

More News