When it comes to fostering workplace diversity, certain large companies with strong connections to the promotional products industry are getting it right.

At least that’s according to Forbes, which has named Top 40 distributor Cintas (asi/162167), apparel maker HanesBrands (asi/59528), and Newell Brands, parent company of supplier Newell Custom Writing Instruments (asi/84833), to its “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2021” list.

Working with Statista, Forbes identified employers for the list through an independent survey of more than 50,000 employees working for companies that employ at least 1,000 people in their U.S. operations. Employee respondents were posed questions on age, gender equality, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQA+ and general diversity about their own employer.

“The final list ranks the 500 employers that not only received the most recommendations, but also boast the most diverse boards and executive ranks, as well as the most proactive diversity and inclusion initiatives,” Forbes noted.

Our 4th annual list of America's Best Employers for Diversity. By @Forbes colleague @KristinStoller.

In partnership with @StatistaCharts.https://t.co/RFpxP8sEcW

— Matthew Hutchison (@mhutchison) April 20, 2021

Headquartered in Cincinnati and with 40,000 employees, Cintas ranked 384. North Carolina-based HanesBrands ranked 456. Atlanta-based Newell was 479.

“We recognize the value in diverse experiences and perspectives, which is why we strive to create a workplace where all employee-partners feel welcome, valued, heard and empowered,” said Max Langenkamp, Cintas’ chief diversity officer and vice president of human resources.

Langenkamp continued: “Our diversity and inclusion strategy isn’t limited to ethnicity, nationality, gender or age — it’s also focused on recruiting military veterans and employees with differing abilities.”

Cintas’ efforts on diversity include a management trainee program that recruits trainees from what the firm described as traditionally under-represented groups to help “enrich its leadership pipeline with the best talent available,” according to a company statement.

The firm said it also cultivates a supplier network that includes minority-owned, women-owned and certified small businesses to “bolster economic inclusion and increase innovation, and help the company better serve its diverse customer base.” Cintas has also partnered with ViaQuest to further its commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities.

With estimated 2019 North American promotional product revenue of $181.4 million, Cintas ranked 13th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry. The new rankings are due out in July 2021.