Originally published July 22, 2022 , updated on July 26, 2024

It has been a difficult couple of years for everyone, but especially for women in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to job losses, pay cuts, and increased childcare responsibilities. Despite these challenges, women’s representation has actually improved across most of the corporate pipeline since the end of 2020. 

This is an encouraging sign that companies are beginning to recognise the value of diversity in their workforce. However, there are still ongoing issues and unmet promises within workspaces from the ground level up. Promotions at the first step up to manager are not equitable, and equal representation and salaries still fall short.

It is clear that there is still more work to do to achieve gender equality in the workplace. But the progress made in 2020 gives us hope that we are moving in the right direction. Below are the most significant ways companies can encourage and improve diversity in the workplace and begin a new era of equality and success.

The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace

Workplace diversity is not a new concept. However, it has become increasingly important in recent years as the business landscape has become more globalised. At its most basic level, workplace diversity is about creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected. It should be regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other thing that makes them who they are. When everyone feels included and respected, they are more likely to achieve their full potential, which benefits the whole organisation. 

A diverse workforce can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, help identify potential market opportunities, and better reflect the increasingly diverse customer base. In short, embracing diversity is essential for any business that wants to succeed in today’s global marketplace.

Significant Ways to Enhance Diversity in the Workplace

Encourage a Diverse Company Culture

Companies must invest in driving change. In doing so, they must take bold steps toward ensuring a good representation of women of diverse identities at all levels. We understate the importance of this topic because it will lead you down an inevitable path to success, more specifically, one where diversity thrives and flourishes along with your employees. 

The benefits of diversity are more than just what you see on paper. Companies need to create a culture that fully leverages the unique ideas, perspectives and experiences women bring with them. This way they can be happy in their jobs while also feeling connected to coworkers who respect them. 

Address Weak Links in the Hiring Process

It is important to have a diverse pipeline of female employees. It can be difficult when there aren’t enough women involved in the industry. Women make up about 50% of all workers and would fill some vital gaps within organisations if they were hired at similar rates as men. Still, it’s not happening, so companies need to do more than just jar ratio. They must also invest time into understanding why this discrepancy exists and then find ways to make changes that will matter. 

The best way to avoid bias in hiring is by ensuring that you treat all employees equally and professionally. Companies should have transparent policies for employee reviews and the process of selecting new hires, including an application form or interview schedule.

Continue the Positive Flow Into the Promotion Progression

Companies are missing out on the benefits of having a more inclusive workforce. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership have lower turnover rates and better customer perception and satisfaction ratings, among other things. 

Companies need to take stock of the progress that can be made towards gender equality within their organisation’s culture. For example, suppose they see gaps in the hiring process or any way women might be discouraged from advancing within their organisation. In that case, it’s likely an issue with mentorship and sponsorship. In order to resolve this problem, companies will have to ensure all employees receive personalised training tailored towards fulfilling each individual’s needs to not discourage anyone due to lack thereof. 

Take Accountability

Most companies are prepared to hold senior leaders accountable for progress on diversity goals, but only if they have a willing manager in place. In a world where leaders who actively participate in programs and events to advance diversity earn praise, they also help establish that this work is important. 

Senior-level executives must be vigilant about ensuring resources are appropriate for initiatives such as these. This way, companies can achieve their goals quickly while maintaining excellence. This may seem like an easy task, but it takes commitment from top management down through all levels of leadership. Especially with its crucial role when resourcing diverse talent across various departments or locations around the globe.

Beware of Burnout

It’s not just the availability of good mental health care that’s an issue. It has become clear recently how critical burnout is for women. In fact, rates among females have been on quite a rise over recent years. Researchers have linked it to increased pressure at home and in professional life combined. 

This can lead people into stressful situations where they feel like they don’t spend enough time doing activities outside work hours. For example, activities such as cooking meals or taking care of children. Balanced habits are what contribute to feeling happier overall. That is why all people should be encouraged to find balance in their lives. 

The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace for Management Teams

The business world is constantly changing and evolving, and it can be difficult for organisations to keep up. In order to stay ahead of the competition, it is essential to have a diverse leadership team in terms of experience and perspective. With a greater depth and breadth of experience, leaders can better relate to employees, clients, and prospective clients. 

This relatability facilitates innovation, which is critical to capturing and maintaining market share. Additionally, diversity in leadership allows for a greater ability to identify potential opportunities and threats. By having a team of leaders with different backgrounds and viewpoints, organisations can better prepare themselves to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

The importance of diversity in the workplace is paramount. Apart from the myriad benefits companies can realise and relish in incorporating a strong approach to cultivating a diverse workspace, this day and age demands a more inclusive environment. It is time all aspects of our society answer this beckon. 
Creating a company culture that is more inclusive and diverse is one of the best ways in which to achieve this goal. Read more about how to ensure diversity in the workplace or get in touch with Goodman Lantern to learn more about corporate social responsibility.

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