Originally published June 4, 2022 , updated on January 19, 2023

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are no longer considerations but prove to be a necessity for success. The benefits of promoting diversity and inclusion are paramount, and today’s society calls for a complete transformation to make this goal a widespread reality. 

But while many companies and organisations believe they are upholding their dedication to equality and diversity in the workplace, only 40% of employees agree with this claim. 

Company attitudes and actions must shift to increase this percentage across the global economic workforce and also create a more positive, uplifting, and inclusive environment. The results of this increase the drive and performance of employees and the annual revenue and growth of a business as a whole. 

Before we jump into the details of creating and maintaining equality and diversity in the workplace, we need to understand what it is and the importance of placing it as a company’s top priority. 

What Does It Mean to Be Diverse and Inclusive at Work?

Diversity refers to the range of individuals who populate our planet. To clarify, it relates to the amalgamation of different ethnical, religious, cultural, and gender identity backgrounds. 

Within the workspace, diversity points to the pool of employees from various walks of life. This array of individuals will consequently bring enhanced innovation, creativity, and perspectives to the business table. 

Inclusion enables people to feel accepted in their shared environment. It comes about when all individuals harbour a sense of mutual respect, enabling each individual to share their unique talents and skillsets. 

Together, diversity and inclusion in the workplace create an environment where everyone can flourish. These two ingredients contribute to the soup of success within a company. Without diverse perspectives, businesses lack creativity, trample performance, and also squander the opportunity to optimise growth. 

The Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

There are many benefits to businesses that prioritise equality. In fact, the perks are so numerous that they carve out an entirely new foundation on which many businesses orientate their leadership. 

Ethnically and gender diverse companies create employee teams that harbour more talent. With a range of perspectives, experiences, and skill sets, diverse workforces can cultivate deeper insights and innovative solutions to the task at hand. Doing so increases efficiency within the company as a whole. According to Josh Bersin’s research, diverse and inclusive companies are 1.7% more inclined to include innovative leaders. 

In direct correlation, companies with diverse management teams tend to realise higher profits. Boston Consulting Group reported that in 2018 these businesses experienced 19% more revenue than their less diverse counterparts. 

Companies that have adopted and upheld their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace create a positive circular process of employment rates. The more gender and ethnically accepting a company is, the more likely it is to experience increased job applications and thus more talented employees. Glassdoor statistics report that over 67% of job seekers are more inclined to apply for a job at more diverse companies. 

When a company embraces inclusivity, the entirety of the workforce feels respected, accepted, and happier. This creates a knock-on effect that promotes productivity. It increases employee trust and engagement, encouraging employees to go the extra mile and bolstering performance across the board. 

Eight Ways to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion in Your Workplace

So, how can your company achieve and realise the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace? Here are our top eight tips:

1. Lay It Down in the Fine Print

The best way to cultivate and sustain a diverse team is to create a non-negotiable policy that states every employee must be treated with respect and dignity. Any form of abusive behaviour should not be tolerated. 

2. Listen

In order to encourage inclusivity, you must be willing to hear your employees out. Whether you create a personal connection or reach out to them through regular feedback forms, show your interest in their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. This can often create a strong starting point from which your company can grow. 

3. Be Clear in Job Descriptions

Discover a new approach to your hiring process. Be clear in your job descriptions and state that you are a company that welcomes diverse applicants. Open the doors of work opportunities to marginalised individuals and actively attempt to lessen both the skills and pay gap. 

4. Prove Your Priority Through Management Teams

Your executive and management teams act as symbols for the entire operation. So you should harness the power these teams have to portray your commitment by employing a more ethnically and gender diverse management team. 

5. Garner an Inclusive Company Culture

The way you treat your employees and communicate with them across the board creates the foundation of the company culture. Implement monthly fun activities where your diverse employee base is honoured, heard, and welcomed. This cultivates a company culture that is inclusive and accepting, which allows employees to feel comfortable and proud to be in their position. 

6. Foster an All-Inclusive Dialogue

Gender and ethnical inequality in the workplace can be a sensitive topic. However, if you want to curate a trustworthy and transparent company, be open to speaking about it. Promote dialogue and be prepared to listen to your employees, their thoughts, and their concerns. 

7. Recognise Multicultural and Religious Days

Honour the diverse cultures of your employees through the celebration of specific holidays and days of worship. Let your staff know that you not only accept but honour their ways of life.

8. Build Bridges Through Collaborations  

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace don’t need to end at the office. Broaden your reach and enhance networks through meaningful collaborations with other organisations and businesses with similar goals. Also, you should spread the word and encourage companies and businesses around you to do the same. 

It is widely proven that diverse and inclusive companies reap more benefits and achieve sustainable success within the economic environment. Diversity in the workforce is more than just a trend; it’s an effective approach to uplift businesses and society. To partner with a content creation agency that is dedicated to improving workplace diversity and inclusion, contact Goodman Lantern today.

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