The mid-market is at a tipping point. While large organisations are scaling back their efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion, mid-market businesses are demonstrating that investing in equity is not idealism, but business insight. Our new research, Women in Business 2026 – The value of visibility, shows this convincingly.
Companies that actively strengthen equity are demonstrably growing faster: higher revenue growth, rising staffing levels and greater innovative capacity. At the same time, employees and investors increasingly expect organisations to show what they stand for. Visibility is, therefore, becoming a strategic asset.
What you will discover in this report:
- Why 92.7% of mid-market companies are sticking to DE&I initiatives and what benefits this delivers.
- How gender-balanced leadership demonstrably leads to better decision-making, innovation and performance.
- The global and regional trends: where progress is stalling, where opportunities lie and what this means for your organisation.
- Which visible actions help attract talent, strengthen leadership and increase commercial opportunities?
Why this matters for your organisation
The figures show a clear relationship: companies that visibly invest in gender equality perform better. Not tomorrow, but today. This report is a compass for entrepreneurs, executives and HR leaders to strengthen organisational strategy and culture, and to connect with the next generation of talent.
Women in Business 2026
Download the report and discover how visibility leads to growth, influence and a stronger leadership team.
Methodology
The Women in Business study has been part of Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR) for 22 years. It is the largest and most authoritative study among companies in the international mid-market segment. The research provides in-depth insight into the expectations and experiences of around 15,000 entrepreneurs and executives worldwide.
Every quarter, senior leaders of mid-sized organisations in 35 economies are interviewed. This is done in their own language, through a combination of online questionnaires and telephone interviews, and it spans all sectors. This way, you know what is happening in the market, and we help you move forward with relevant discussion topics, global perspectives and new ideas that contribute to your strategic direction.