The Power of SHRM Certification and the Prestige of GDEIB Awards

Introduction

In today’s evolving workplace, Human Resources (HR) professionals and organizations must stay ahead of industry trends—especially in areas like workforce diversity, leadership development, and inclusive workplace policies. Two key credentials that validate expertise in these areas are the SHRM Certification (Society for Human Resource Management) and the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) Awards.

This blog explores the value of SHRM Certification for HR professionals and the significance of the GDEIB Awards for organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Whether you're an HR leader looking to advance your career or a company striving for global DEI recognition, understanding these credentials can help you achieve your goals.

What is SHRM Certification?

The SHRM Certification is one of the most respected HR credentials worldwide, offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It validates an HR professional’s expertise in people management, workplace compliance, and strategic leadership.

Types of SHRM Certifications

1. SHRM-CP (Certified Professional)

   • Designed for HR professionals implementing policies and strategies.

   • Ideal for mid-level HR managers and specialists.

2. SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)

   • For senior HR leaders developing organizational strategies.

   • Best suited for executives, directors, and high-level HR consultants.

Why Earn an SHRM Certification?

1. Enhance Career Opportunities

   • SHRM-certified professionals earn 20% higher salaries on average than non-certified peers (SHRM 2023 Report).

2. Global Recognition

   • SHRM credentials are respected by employers in over 165 countries.

3. Stay Updated on HR Best Practices

   • The certification ensures knowledge of the latest labor laws, DEI strategies, and workforce trends.

4. Boost Organizational Performance

   • Certified HR leaders drive better talent management, engagement, and compliance.

5. Network with Industry Leaders

   • SHRM provides access to conferences, webinars, and a global HR community.

How to Get SHRM Certified

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

   • SHRM-CP: 3+ years in HR (or 1 year with an HR degree).

   • SHRM-SCP: 6+ years in HR (or 4 years with an HR degree).

2. Prepare for the Exam

   • Study SHRM’s Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK).

   • Take practice tests and attend SHRM prep courses.

3. Pass the 4-Hour Exam

   • The test includes situational judgment questions (SJQs) and HR knowledge-based items.

4. Maintain Certification

   • Earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) every three years.

What Are the GDEIB Awards?

While SHRM Certification validates HR expertise, the GDEIB Awards recognize organizations that excel in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on a global scale.

Understanding the GDEIB Framework

The Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) were developed by the Centre for Global Inclusion to help organizations measure and improve their DEI strategies. The GDEIB Awards honor companies that demonstrate exceptional leadership in DEI based on these benchmarks.

Categories of GDEIB Awards

1. Best DEI Strategy – For organizations with innovative and measurable DEI initiatives.

2. Inclusive Workplace Culture – Recognizes companies fostering belonging and equity.

3. Leadership in DEI – Honors executives driving systemic DEI change.

4. Supplier Diversity Excellence – Celebrates businesses promoting diverse vendors.

5. Community Impact Award – For organizations advancing DEI in underserved communities.

Why Are the GDEIB Awards Important?

1. Global Recognition

   • Winning a GDEIB Award enhances an organization’s reputation as a DEI leader.

2. Attract Top Talent & Investors

   • Employees and stakeholders prefer companies with proven DEI commitments.

3. Benchmark Against Best Practices

   • The GDEIB framework helps organizations assess their DEI maturity.

4. Drive Business Success

   • Diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform competitors (McKinsey 2023).

5. Strengthen Brand Loyalty

   • Consumers support businesses that prioritize inclusion and social responsibility.

How SHRM Certification and GDEIB Awards Work Together

HR professionals with SHRM Certification play a critical role in helping organizations qualify for GDEIB Awards. Here’s how:

1. Developing DEI Policies

• SHRM-certified HR leaders design inclusive hiring practices, pay equity audits, and bias training programs—key factors in GDEIB Award evaluations.

2. Measuring DEI Success

• SHRM’s HR analytics training helps track diversity metrics (e.g., retention rates, promotion equity), which are essential for GDEIB submissions.

3. Leading Organizational Change

• SHRM-SCP holders are equipped to implement DEI strategies at the executive level, increasing the chances of winning awards.

4. Ensuring Compliance & Best Practices

• SHRM’s focus on labor laws and ethical HR management aligns with GDEIB’s standards for equitable workplaces.

How to Qualify for GDEIB Awards

Steps to Prepare for GDEIB Recognition

1. Conduct a DEI Assessment

   • Use the GDEIB framework to evaluate your organization’s strengths and gaps.

2. Set Measurable DEI Goals

   • Examples: Increase leadership diversity by 20%, achieve pay equity, or expand ERGs (Employee Resource Groups).

3. Implement DEI Training

   • SHRM offers DEI courses that help HR teams foster inclusive cultures.

4. Collect & Analyze DEI Data

   • Track workforce demographics, employee satisfaction, and supplier diversity.

5. Submit a Strong GDEIB Award Application

   • Highlight key achievements, metrics, and future DEI commitments.

Success Stories: SHRM-Certified Leaders & GDEIB-Winning Companies

Companies with SHRM-Certified HR Teams

• Google – Uses SHRM-certified professionals to drive inclusive hiring and leadership development.

• IBM – Leverages SHRM-SCP executives to align HR strategy with global DEI goals.

GDEIB Award Winners

• Salesforce – Recognized for pay equity and disability inclusion initiatives.

• Procter & Gamble – Won for its supplier diversity and racial equity programs.

Conclusion

Both SHRM Certification and the GDEIB Awards are powerful credentials that validate excellence in HR leadership and DEI commitment.

• For HR Professionals: Earning a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP boosts career growth and equips you to lead DEI initiatives.

• For Organizations: Winning a GDEIB Award establishes your company as a global leader in diversity and inclusion.

By combining SHRM’s HR expertise with GDEIB’s DEI benchmarks, businesses can create workplaces that are equitable, innovative, and high-performing.

Call to Action:

• HR Professionals: Start your SHRM certification journey today to become a strategic leader.

• Organizations: Assess your DEI progress using the GDEIB framework and apply for awards.

Investing in these credentials ensures long-term success in an increasingly diverse and competitive world.