Embracing equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

4 Mins Read 13-03-2024

Submitted by Thapasree on Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:46

Embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace is a positive move for society as a whole.

For example, it is estimated that by 2050, the global workforce will increase by over 2 billion people. So how will we find enough qualified workers to fill those jobs? If we don't start hiring diverse talent now, who will lead us into this new era?

Employers need to start thinking about diversity as an essential element of their recruitment process and strategy today (if you haven't already), so you can attract qualified candidates in the future; otherwise, we will end up with even more of a skills shortage than many countries and industries are already facing.

Understanding the value of diversity

Why do organisations care about diversity and creating an inclusive culture?

The answer is quite simple. On a wider scale, it is an attempt to provide equal opportunities and empathy to all groups of people, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels like they have a voice and can freely contribute their ideas.

Employees tend to respect a workplace that's diverse and inclusive, giving them the confidence to come up with innovative ideas and, as a consequence, develop better problem-solving skills that contribute to the success of the entire organisation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace also improve employee morale, which leads to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and improved productivity. You'll also attract top talent that wants to stay at your company for years!

There is a “39% increased likelihood of outperformance for those in the top quartile of ethnic and gender representation versus the bottom quartile.”
- “Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact” report from McKinsey

Creating a culture that embraces diversity

It’s about making sure your employees feel comfortable with who they are in the workplace.

The HR department has a big role to play in this process. If you have an employee who identifies as LGBTQ+, it's important to ensure they don't feel like their identity will be marginalised in the workplace.

To do that, it is essential to inform and educate your employees to not make assumptions about people based on their gender or race and to ensure the entire workplace is a welcoming environment for everyone.

A sustainable DEI strategy requires a cultural shift within the organisation. Organisations can attract and retain diverse talent by fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This, in turn, creates a positive cycle of diverse and inclusive hiring.

If certain groups are being overlooked for promotions or other career opportunities, and if there isn't enough minority representation in management positions, that can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among employees who feel excluded from progression and leadership positions - and this can negatively affect employee retention rates.

Benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Beyond being a moral imperative, fostering diversity and inclusion within an organisation is important for its commercial success.

However, achieving genuine D&I is a long-term project that requires a strategic and comprehensive approach, and when you truly achieve it, the benefits are innumerable. A few of them are:

Improved retention: Companies with strong cultures of diversity and inclusion typically have lower turnover rates than those that don't. Turnover costs money, so this is an important benefit for businesses when placing value on strengthening their culture of D&I.
Diversity of thought: A diverse team brings different perspectives, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving - and that can make all the difference when your company takes on a new challenge or project.
People from similar backgrounds tend to have similar viewpoints and therefore don't challenge each other enough during discussions about how best to move forward with projects or approach initiatives from different angles.

We need more diversity within groups so we can all benefit from each others' experiences, perspectives and knowledge.

Boost to productivity: Inclusive environments empower employees to bring their whole selves to work, leading to increased job satisfaction, engagement, and overall productivity. When employees feel comfortable and supported, they can fully contribute through their skills and talents.
Improved creativity: Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace breed creativity. By embracing different perspectives, organisations can tap into a wealth of ideas and solutions that may not otherwise have been considered.

Diverse teams foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, propelling organisations forward.

Diverse talent will drive you forward

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace are vital for organisations to thrive in today's interconnected world.

By adopting a long-term approach and partnering with a recruitment agency, organisations can strengthen their D&I strategies and create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Through research, industry insights, and access to diverse talent pools, a recruitment partner becomes an invaluable ally in driving positive change in terms of more inclusive hiring practices.