Blog
Diversity In The Workplace
The past 2 years have been an interesting time financially, and many companies have had to either cut their workforce, slow down recruitment or not hire at all. However has the focus slipped away from having a diverse workforce to a financially viable workforce?
We explore why these 2 aspects are NOT mutually exclusive.
No matter how you are viewing the economy right now, it's been proven that a diverse workforce is better for business!
In fact, companies with a diverse workforce are 35% more likely to experience greater financial returns than their respective non-diverse counterparts.
Having a diverse workforce will reap you benefits in so many ways (not just financially). So if you want a more creative workforce producing a higher value output then take a look at your diversity mix!
Check out our guidelines for how to cultivate diverse teams... it's not all about gender and race btw, the diversity umbrella is varied.
Examples of diversity in the workplace:
- Gender Diversity.
- Gender Identity.
- Sexual Orientation.
- Ethnicity.
- Generational Diversity.
- Neurodiversity.
- Diversity in Disability and Accessibility.
- Language Diversity.
- Work to highlight and remove bias. Everyone is capable of unconscious bias.
- Write inclusive job ads.
- Focus on everyday micro-experiences.
- Teach leaders how to model inclusion.
- Build a culture of inclusion through recognition.
- Create feelings of belonging so employees want to stay.
- Recognise and raise awareness around cultural and religious holidays.
- Offer diversity and inclusion training for all employees and create a DEI group responsible for implementing activities, programs and mentoring opportunities.
- Have clear diversity and inclusivity policies displayed in the office and on the website.
- Have a non-discrimination policy, again displayed in the office and on the website.
- Ensure equal pay for equal work - obviously!
- Establish 'Employee Resource Groups' (ERG's) these are voluntary, employee-led groups that are usually based upon an aspect of identity and improve employee engagement.
- Get feedback from employees and action as necessary, not just employee surveys, but solicit the opinions of shy and introverted employees so that various opinions are heard or make sure that each person gets credit for their ideas and work.
- Learn to speak inclusively (use 'parental leave' instead of 'paternity/maternity leave')
- Create safe spaces for employee's including physical accessibility, special equipment and digital accessibility.
- Build mentorship programs and assign mentors, sponsors, and proteges as part of a co-mentoring relationship between employees of different identities, backgrounds, or traditions.
Creating an inclusive workplace culture isn't an overnight job. Plan and strategize your DEI programs to make long-term, lasting changes. Diversity and inclusion is ever-evolving and be prepared to make adjustments as needed a long the way.
Remember that investing in company culture initiatives will not only make your business a good place to work but will also improve your company’s productivity and profits.