The extent to which businesses can recruit, motivate, train, help grow and retain a diverse talent pool and put in place the processes that support staff's ability to thrive is a key determinant for innovation, productivity and overall firm performance and business competitiveness. Companies across manufacturing, agribusiness and services industries often face challenges to create an environment in which employees are engaged and supported to work productively, and in which they can grow and contribute their skills to business success. Understanding gender and diversity dynamics in talent management, creating inclusive workplaces and investing in employee engagement are crucial for increasing competitiveness and profitability, which leads to higher wages and better-quality jobs. In this context, IFC’s Workforce Platform aims to address various and evolving employment-related challenges that clients in manufacturing, agribusiness and services industries face when managing their workforce. The Platform offers two approaches to support clients depending on their needs and priorities: (1) Workforce Productivity & Operational Efficiency: This approach provides an assessment (based on Lean manufacturing and Lean management concepts) that helps clients understand where they are situated vis-a-vis global best practices with regards to their workforce productivity and overall operational efficiency, including recommendations for improvements, followed by coaching support to help clients prioritize actions and kickstart implementation. (2) Gender & Inclusive Workplaces: This approach provides gender and employment assessments, including recommendations for improvements, followed by in-depth customized advisory services, to help clients understand their unique business case for investing in gender-smart employment solutions and working conditions favorable to women and diverse groups. In addition, through the Workforce Platform, IFC provides thought leadership through case studies, blogs, events and research to create and disseminate sector-specific information on how the private sector can actively develop and benefit from inclusive workforce solutions that enhance their productivity and operational efficiency.