The High Cost of ‘Performative Inclusion’ and How to Avoid It
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Women Leadership | Generational | Gender | Cultural | LGBTQ | Disability Inclusion
Is Your Inclusive Culture Performative?
While 90% of companies claim to prioritize DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), only 25% of employees in diverse organizations feel truly included, according to a Deloitte study. This disparity highlights a crucial question: is your inclusive culture authentic, or is it performative?
What Does Genuine Inclusion Look Like?
Inclusion is more than a feel-good initiative. It's about creating an environment where diverse perspectives are heard, valued, and acted upon. Being a top company for diversity and inclusion means not only recruiting diverse employees but fostering a workplace where they thrive. Data from McKinsey shows that companies with diverse leadership are 36% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers. Inclusion isn’t simply a business imperative; it’s about building a sense of belonging.
Here’s a telling statistic: Gallup found that employees who feel included are 3 times more likely to be engaged, leading to 22% higher productivity. Without genuine inclusion, a diversity company risks missing out on its full talent potential, which could lower innovation and hinder performance.
The Inclusivity Gap: Moving Beyond Diversity Targets
Many organizations pride themselves on diversity metrics, but true inclusion can’t be measured by numbers alone. A Harvard Business Review study showed that 75% of underrepresented employees encounter microaggressions in the workplace, such as being interrupted in meetings or facing biased assumptions. These subtle actions reveal gaps in inclusive practices and indicate that the journey toward becoming a genuinely inclusive diversity company has only begun.
Common Blind Spots in Inclusion Efforts
Quick Self-Evaluation for Real Inclusion
The Real Cost of Lacking Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t just about employee well-being; it’s a business advantage. The Kapor Center found that workplace exclusion costs companies $16 billion annually due to employee turnover. Organizations that fail to prioritize inclusivity are 3 times more likely to lose employees to more inclusive competitors. This isn’t just a talent drain; it erodes engagement, productivity, and ultimately, profitability.
Surprising Insights from DEI Research
Moving from Performative to Real Inclusion
To become a truly inclusive diversity company, consider these actionable strategies:
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Building an inclusive workplace requires continuous effort, data-backed evaluation, and genuine commitment. As you assess your organization, remember that inclusion is more than just a moral imperative - it’s a key to business success.
Ready to assess your organization’s inclusivity? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
Blog by Mansi Sharma