As eCommerce continues to grow and evolve, so too must the people strategies behind it. Attracting top talent, connecting with a global customer base, and building future-ready teams all require one key ingredient: diversity. But how do professionals working in the industry feel about their company’s progress when it comes to diversity and inclusion?
According to our 2025 eCommerce salary survey, there are promising signs of improvement, but also areas where businesses need to do more.
We asked respondents whether they feel their organisation actively promotes diversity and inclusion. A reassuring 66% said yes, a noticeable increase from 59% in the 2024 report. Alongside this, we asked participants to rate workforce diversity on a scale of 1 to 10. The average score came out at 6.2, showing steady improvement year-on-year.
These are good indicators that D&I initiatives are being seen and felt by employees. The message is clear: more businesses are recognising the value of inclusive hiring and varied teams, and professionals are beginning to take note.
Despite the increased positive sentiment overall, our data also shines a light on ongoing concerns around gender disparity, especially in career advancement.
When asked if they felt a gender imbalance in any area of their role, 47% pointed to leadership opportunities, followed by 29% who felt disparity in career progression. 44% said they don’t perceive any imbalance.
This paints a mixed picture. While some employees feel confident that gender is not a barrier in their workplace, nearly half are still spotting gaps in leadership opportunities. It suggests that gender representation at the top - whether in decision-making positions or department heads - is an issue that still needs attention.
For businesses, this is an important reminder: it’s not just about hiring eCommerce talent more diversely, but ensuring that everyone has an equal path to grow, lead and thrive within the organisation.
When it comes to fair compensation, 53% of respondents feel they are paid fairly compared to other genders. But it’s the 34% who are unsure that really stands out. Only 13% said they don’t believe they are paid fairly, but the high level of uncertainty suggests many professionals simply don’t have access to the data needed to form a confident opinion.
This highlights the growing need for greater pay transparency in eCommerce. Whether through open pay bands, structured reviews or published salary benchmarks, transparency can empower individuals and drive real equality in the workplace.
There’s no doubt that the eCommerce industry is making progress when it comes to diversity and inclusion. But while D&I is now on the radar of many companies, it’s how these values translate into long-term change that matters most.
From tackling gender disparity in leadership to improving transparency around pay, businesses must go beyond the surface and embed inclusive practices at every level of their organisation.
After all, the future of eCommerce isn’t just digital...it’s diverse. Do you want more eCommerce insights? Our eCommerce salary survey report has exclusive data that you won't find anywhere else. Click below to download your free copy!