Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Training Is Vital to Your Career

If you believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are just passing trends, you are mistaken. DEI is essential for everyone, especially for emerging leaders today. Engaging in DEI work can benefit your career in several ways:

1. Staying Relevant: One of the most significant risks of not participating in DEI discussions is becoming obsolete. In our increasingly globalized world, understanding different cultures, acknowledging diverse life experiences, and embracing ongoing change and uncertainty are crucial for future leaders. More than half of small businesses operate internationally, and this trend is expected to grow rapidly. Boards, stock market indices, and governments are pushing corporate leaders to foster diversity and inclusivity, placing pressure on traditionally led boards and executive suites dominated by white males. Even customers are demanding transparency regarding representation and financial commitments to social causes.

Gen Z, which makes up nearly 30% of the workforce, sees DEI as a fundamental requirement. A significant majority plan to participate in their company's DEI efforts or employee resource groups (ERGs)

2. Connecting With Purpose: A notable shift in recent generations is the desire to connect work with a sense of purpose. Unlike past generations that may have separated their personal and professional lives, today's workers view their jobs as an extension of their identity. Creating a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and included is one of the most effective ways to link work to a deeper sense of purpose. Even if your organization's products or services seem unrelated to a larger purpose, there are proven methods to connect work with a meaningful mission.

If DEI work feels unfamiliar, consider not just the business case but also the human case. Imagine the benefits of having diverse perspectives and how work could become more meaningful when more people are included.

3. Being More Innovative: Diverse teams are inherently more innovative. They are better equipped to reflect the customer base they aim to attract and can have a direct impact on a company's financial performance. According to a McKinsey study, companies with ethnically diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers.

Diversity fosters creativity by promoting openness to new information and perspectives, ultimately leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. A Google study found a strong correlation between performance and psychological safety within diverse teams. When diverse team members feel included, they are more likely to address challenging issues and challenge the status quo, resulting in increased performance and innovation.

Engaging in DEI work not only helps leaders stay relevant but also offers opportunities to acquire new skills and build stronger connections with people who can aid in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

Prostaff recruiters participate in regular DEI training and we are proudly ACSESS accredited, which promotes ethical practices and holds strict industry standards.