Beyond the Buzzwords: Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion has become a hot topic that demands and deserves the attention that it gets. 

A growing number of companies are recognising the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce, not only from an ethical perspective but from a business standpoint. This article will explore the strengths of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and why businesses need to embrace them.

A diverse and inclusive workplace is a more productive workplace. When employees come from different backgrounds, they are likely to hold different perspectives - bringing with them a range of ideas and approaches. This diversity of thought can lead to better decision-making and more creative solutions to complex problems. When employees feel valued and included, they are more engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity. 

Diversity and inclusion can also lead to a more innovative workplace. When employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, they are more likely to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative approaches. This can be especially important in industries that are constantly evolving and require adaptability, as well as navigating change through times like the pandemic or a recession and responding to how this would change consumer and customer habits.

This better understanding of customers and clients is a key strength that diverse teams hold. When a company has a diverse workforce, it can better understand the needs and preferences of a wider range of customers. This can lead to more effective marketing and product development strategies. This can be demonstrated through stronger customer connection by creating an ad campaign that better represents customers or keeping accessibility at the forefront of product and content development.

In addition to these business benefits, the moral reasons for embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace are not to be ignored. A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that not only values but celebrates the different backgrounds, abilities and neurodiversity that comes with having a diverse team. This creates a more positive and welcoming workplace culture, therefore improving employee morale and retention. 

Hiring a diverse workforce alone is not enough. To reap the benefits of diversity and inclusion, companies must create an inclusive culture that values and respects all employees. This can be done through training, policies and procedures, and leadership support. However, this traditional method alone is often still not enough to create true inclusion. As it is very difficult to achieve with a ‘cookie cutter’ or ‘one size fits all’ approach - which is often what happens with compulsory training and vague DEI statements.

To create inclusion, an employee-led approach is integral to creating sustainable change. Every company is different. And while everyone may benefit hugely from training, staff from a global company may want to dig deeper into cultural differences and how they impact working styles or how to work more effectively with neurodiverse colleagues.

Companies that put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of their priorities benefit from increased productivity, innovation, and a better understanding of their customers. Creating an inclusive workplace culture can lead to improved employee morale and retention. It is time for all businesses to see beyond using diversity and inclusion as hiring buzzwords and harness the strengths of a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.