Workplace of future: diversity and inclusivity

As organizations strive to create inclusive and diverse teams, the future of workplace diversity remains a topic of ongoing discussion and - more importantly - action.?

According to a 2022 survey by DNV, 60% of respondents believe that diverse and inclusive companies perform better. This is a significant insight, considering that just a few years ago, diversity and inclusivity were often viewed as "nice to have" rather than essential.

While recognition of the role of diversity and inclusivity is growing, the data suggests that many companies still have a lot to do to achieve true diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. For example, although Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American workers account for about a quarter of the US workforce, a 2021 research by Gartner found that they make up just 17% of senior leaders in corporate America.

This disparity is not limited to just one or two industries. It is a pervasive issue that affects a wide range of industries, from tech to finance to healthcare. And it's not just about race. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities also continue to face significant challenges in the workplace, particularly regarding representation in leadership positions.

Despite these challenges, there are several steps that organizations can take to create more diverse and inclusive teams. Here are a few key strategies:

Commit to diversity and inclusivity

Organizations need to formally commit to diversity and inclusivity, starting with senior leadership. This commitment should be reflected in the company's mission statement, values, and strategic plans.

Foster a culture of inclusivity

Creating a culture of inclusivity requires a focus on understanding, empathy, and respect. This means encouraging open and honest conversations about diversity, creating safe spaces for employees to discuss their experiences, and providing training and resources to help employees understand and respect different perspectives and backgrounds.

Diversify your recruitment efforts

Organizations need to look beyond their traditional sources of talent and actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds. This includes actively recruiting from diverse pools and ensuring that the recruitment process itself is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

Develop and implement diversity and inclusion programs

Organizations need to implement programs and initiatives that support diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. This could include mentorship programs, diversity training, and diversity committees.

Monitor and measure progress

Finally, organizations need to regularly monitor and measure their progress in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This requires setting specific goals, tracking metrics, and regularly assessing the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Growing a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just the morally right thing to do; it's also benefitial for business. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform, and gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to have financial returns above expected.

Although change cannot happen overnight, we have the power to make a difference in promoting inclusivity and diversity in our workplaces. It requires us to take action and responsibility for creating a better future for everyone. This process takes time, patience, and a whole lot of dedication. But let's not overlook of the fact that at the heart of this endeavour lies a fundamental desire to make our workplaces more welcoming and compassionate. So let's start today and work towards creating a more inclusive future for all.