What is Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace?

Diversity and inclusion, D&I in the corporate world, are two essential pillars of a robust working environment. In the modern tapestry of business management, they are no longer perceived as a gauge to show the moral stance of an organization but as a tool to improve the dynamism of the overall workforce.

Imagine a workplace where every employee is cut from the same social fabric, meaning they belong to the same race, gender, or class. As an HR expert, do you believe your employees will enjoy a workspace like that??

Not really, right? A study shows that 76% of employees and job seekers said diversity is important when considering job offerings. This is one of the many examples of why diversity and inclusion should stand at the forefront of your hiring agenda.?

We are excited to present you with a new edition of the Pitch N Hire newsletter. In this edition, we will explore the profound impact of diversity and inclusion on your workforce and why it's crucial for your organization.

Definitions

Diversity and inclusion are two independent nouns, but they go hand in hand in the corporate world. A corporate policy that is all about diversity but hesitates with the inclusion process is a sham.?

A study shows that more than 70% of employees, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, do not feel fully included, which is an alarming statistic. To gain a better perspective, let's understand the real meaning of these two buzzwords.

Diversity in the workplace refers to various differences among people in an organization. This includes a variety of dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, religious beliefs, educational background, and more.

On the other hand, inclusion is creating an environment where all groups of individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a part of the organization. Inclusion goes beyond the notion of diversity by actively promoting a sense of belonging for every employee.

In simple terms, diversity can be considered a concept or an active idea that needs to be implemented, whereas inclusion is an action or implementation of a concept.

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Let us look into how you can implement D&I initiatives in your organization:

Demographic diversity

Demographic diversity includes a wide range of individuals of different genders, religions, races, ethnicities, and even physically challenged individuals. A workspace that embraces various demographic diversity ensures the workforce includes individuals from all spectrums of life, making the workforce vibrant and effective.?

A study shows a more inclusive team is 36% more productive than a team that is not inclusive.

Inclusive cultural

A major part of the D&I initiative is nurturing an inclusive workplace culture. This goes beyond the concept of diversity; it involves creating an environment where each employee is acknowledged for their differences and contribution to their team. Did you know that 81% of employees working in an inclusive culture are happy?

Equal opportunity

It is not rocket science that employees and job seekers want to be associated with a working environment that is fair and equal for every employee.?

However, implementing fair and unbiased practices in recruitment, promotions, and project allocations can make diversity a living reality for every employee.

Training and awareness

Though the concept of diversity sounds great on paper, ensuring its implementation at all levels of organization takes continuous and vigorous efforts. This task is complicated by age-old biases and prejudices that have evolved.?

However, by curating effective training and awareness programs, adverse practices such as unconscious biases and cultural ignorance can be addressed.

Leadership commitments

The success of the diversity and inclusion initiative rests on the commitment of the top leadership. Did you know 60% of employees want to hear business leaders speak up on diversity issues? Managers and executives, by putting this issue on their priority list can effectively set the tone for the organization to be inclusive toward its employees.?

Employee resource group

If you want diversity and inclusion to thrive in your organization, you must arrange an employee resource group. As the name suggests, they are groups of employees with a shared interest or background to connect with. If done properly, these groups can boost employee morale and enthusiasm, leading to a happy working environment.

Why D&I is essential for your workforce

• With various perspectives and experiences, a diverse team can better tap into creativity and innovation. A study shows inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovative.
• It can be used to attract and retain top talent by committing to equal opportunity and inclusion.
• It can make the working environment vibrant, improve the work culture, and boost the productivity of employees.
• It can eliminate any unconscious biases and encourage decision-making in the organization's best interest.
• It can project the organization's image as a responsible firm, improving the brand's reputation.

Final word

The D&I initiative is not a one-time event but a continuous process requiring constant assessment and improvement. By working on it continuously, the organization can strike the right balance between fostering diversity in the workplace and maintaining the cohesiveness of the workforce. Remember, this entire initiative aims to celebrate differences and help organizations achieve their potential, but embracing the differences should not lead to divisions among employees.?

If the initiative turns out to produce adverse results, the HR department, along with management, should revisit the practices, gather feedback, and evaluate the strategies to ensure that the Diversity and Inclusion initiative aligns with the organization's goals and values.

However, if you are looking for a mechanism that can solve all your needs for inclusive hiring, consider Pitch N Hire's ATS as your partner in recruiting a diverse and talented workforce. Its advanced visualized pipelines, equipped with sophisticated filters, enable you to filter top-tier talent that fits your unique needs.