- ESA Survey reveals stark statistics about differences in workplace experiences
- 17% of ethnic-minority professionals feel isolated in the industry – compared to 5% of white colleagues
- ESA makes three pledges designed to help organisations address internal inequalities
More than 7 in 10 ethnic-minority sponsorship professionals feel they are treated differently at work because of their identity, according a report released today by the European Sponsorship Association (ESA).
The alarming statistic is compounded by evidence that suggests ethnic-minority professionals are three times more likely than their white colleagues to feel isolated in the workplace, and that women experience this far more often than men.
The report shares the results of ESA’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Survey undertaken between October and November 2024, along with selected industry perspectives. More than 200 sponsorship professionals took part in the survey, with respondents working across agencies, brands, rights holders and suppliers.
The survey explored how identity – especially ethnicity – shapes people’s experiences at work. It also looked at how inclusive sponsorship feels as a profession and where gaps might lie. And while the limited scope of the survey does not allow conclusions to be drawn about diversity of representation within the industry, “it clearly shows the industry has an experience problem”, according to the report. The author adds that the survey “highlights a gap between how inclusive the sector and workplaces appear on the surface and how it feels for many individuals”.
In summary, the ESA Survey found:
- while 92% of respondents said they felt part of their team and 80% agreed that cultural differences were celebrated, 71% of ethnic-minority employees reported being treated differently because of their identity, compared to 44% of white professionals
- almost 1 in 5 ethnic-minority respondents (17%) reported feeling isolated in the workplace, compared to 5% of their white colleagues
- the differences highlighted between ethnic-minority and white experience were compounded by results indicating that 67% of female respondents reported differential treatment, compared to 22% of men who participated in the survey.
ESA has responded to the findings by committing to the launch of two tools – an inclusive teams self-assessment tool and an organisational pledge – designed to support organisations to move from intention to action. A commitment to gathering more robust data is also part of the Association’s initial response.
Sophie Morris, ESA Chair, commented: “Inclusion is not just about policy, it’s about everyday workplace experience. This research is an important first step but it is just the first step. It is the first-ever industry-wide EDI survey and it gives us the essential, honest data needed to move beyond assumption and vague awareness.
“The European Sponsorship Association is committed to acting on these findings by providing members with practical and credible resources. We are dedicating ourselves to building a more structurally inclusive industry where diverse talent is not only welcomed but fully supported to thrive. I am immensely proud of this work and would like to thank everyone involved, particularly the members of the ESA community who have given us the data we needed to act.”
Martin Prendergast, ESA Board Director and EDI Working Group Lead, added: “This report gives our industry something we have not had before – a clear, data-driven picture of how people truly experience inclusion in the sponsorship industry. It shows us not just where we stand, but where we need to go. Real change demands honesty, and I am proud that members of our community have entrusted us with their lived experiences so we can build a more inclusive future on solid evidence rather than assumption.
“This is the beginning of a long-term commitment from ESA. Our responsibility now is to turn insight into action by equipping the industry with practical tools, resources and guidance that support meaningful progress. We have an opportunity to shape an industry where everyone, regardless of identity or background, can thrive – and ESA is fully committed to driving that change.”
-ENDS-
About ESA
The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship. We inspire more successful sponsorships, drive confidence in decision making and grow a diverse community through world-leading education, events and resources, industry connections and recognition of excellence.
A not-for-profit membership association, ESA’s reach encompasses all types of sponsorship activity from sport, broadcast, education, charity, arts and culture to environment and the community. Its members include sponsors, rights holders, agencies and consultants, professional advisors and suppliers.
Visit sponsorship.org for more information.
For media queries, please contact:
Jonathan Coates | ESA Marketing, Communications and Events Manager
marketing@sponsorship.org | +44 (0) 7788 352219
