Explore what, why and how diversity and inclusion in the workplace

What is diversity and inclusion at work?

The terms “diversity” and “inclusion” have two mutually interconnected terms with greater difference in their meaning. Diversity is the wide range of differences coexisting in a group or an organization. The differences can be based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, cultural history, disabilities and socioeconomic status. In the workplace, diversity refers to a workforce made up of people with various history working together to achieve organizational objectives. “The inclusion refers to an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, and has equal chances, regardless of their history or identity” according to the definition given by Study.com. Inclusion in the workplace means feeding a culture where all employees regardless of their differences are appreciated and respected.

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace include promoting a work culture where everyone regardless of their identities and their positions feels respected and valued. This means to integrate employees with differences between all entry -level management positions into higher level management. The incorporation of diversity and inclusion is necessary for the organization to give positive results. For example, a LinkedIn study has proven that companies with diversity and inclusion “were 22% more likely to be considered a advanced business with high caliber talents and 12% more likely to be considered as a inclusive workplace for people from various backgrounds.” With growing equity concerns among people, diversity and inclusion play an important role in organizations today.

Why is it crucial to implement diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Organizations strive to adopt a diversified and inclusive environment by welcoming all talents and paying impartial attention to the needs, ideas and contributions of each employee. The promotion of a workplace of diversity and inclusion is an absolute priority for organizations because it encourages equal participation leading to better results. Here are some of the main reasons for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Productivity improvement

People with various identities contribute differently, with differences in their ideas and views. These varied contributions promote Creativity and innovation In the teams leading to increased productivity. The LinkedIn study also revealed that “inclusive teams are more than 35% more productive” and that “various teams make better decisions 87% of the time”. Various teams with employees with differences in gender, culture, age, ethnicity and race integrate wider skills depending on their experiences which are reflected directly or indirectly in their contributions to the organization, thus improving their performance and their productivity.

Attract new talents

A support work environment attracts job seekers before intending to apply for a job. Organizations that promote a diversified and inclusive working environment are very preferred as an ideal place to work by employees. Many marginalized and under-represented groups are faced with discrimination in their workplaces, even today, making diversity and inclusion an essential factor when requesting jobs. A survey carried out by Glassdoor in 2020 among American employees and job seekers revealed that “approximately 4 out of 5 (80%) Hispanic (80%) and LGBTQ (79%) and employees report a diversified workforce is an important factor when assessing companies and job offers”. This transparency around diversity and inclusion is important to attract various talents.

Retention of existing talents

A workplace where employees feel valued improve the retention rate of employees because they believe that their contributions are rightly recognized and that their ideas and innovations are favored independently of a biased attitude. This inclusiveness stimulates employee work satisfaction leading to employee engagement and higher retention. A Betterup study revealed that “members with the highest levels of belonging have an intention of 34% higher than those with low belonging levels”. Understanding diversity and promotion of inclusion creates a feeling of belonging to employees leading to higher retention.

Global reputation

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace promote the employer brand of the organization and increase its market. With diversity in the working environment, it increases the chances for the wider acquisition of customers of various regions and cultures. The implementation of these principles in the values ​​of the organization improves global reputation, creating a positive impact among its stakeholders.

Organizational profits

Diversity and inclusion have a vital role in improving the profitability of the organization. Improved innovation, employee Commitment and retentionWider market and financial outperformance following an inclusive work environment contributes to profitability. This is illustrated in a report of MCKINSEY Suggesting that “the companies in the upper quartile for the wide gender diversity are 27% more likely to over -form financially” and those who have “an ethnically diverse board of directors are 13% more likely to outperform”.

Intercultural consciousness

Employees, customers and customers of various cultural horizons Bring various cultural perspectives to the workplace. This promotes a global intercultural consciousness in the organization leading to acceptance and mutual respect which are the need for the current era.

How to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Organizations emphasizing an inclusive culture of various perspectives adopt several stages to promote diversity and inclusion. To create a diverse and inclusive workplace, organizations can adopt three strategies.

Inclusive hiring

An inclusive hiring practice incorporating talents into various identities is a better practice to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This includes the recruitment of new employees from various cultural and racial horizons, different sexes and different age groups. The most well -established organizations adopt the practice of inclusive hiring. To quote an example, Mastercard Inc., the American multinational corporation says that ‘69% of the candidates' end interviews include women “and in the United States,” 86% of end interviews include a color candidate “. Such inclusive hiring focused on the potential of individuals can produce the best outings to employers.

Integration into policies and objectives

Organizations may include diversity and inclusion in the workplace in their policies and objectives to raise awareness of each stakeholder associated with the organization the need to implement them. In recent years, many organizations have integrated diversity into their mission and have proposed objectives based on inclusion. The Salesforce software company sets the objective of a “new global objective of multi -year gender to reach 40% of identification and non -binary employees worldwide by the end of 2026”.

DEI training

The promotion of training on diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations is an essential strategy for removing intentional and involuntary prejudices and making the organization a better workplace. Thanks to continuous training by adopting several learning channels, employees benefit from harmonization in the midst of diversity. The majority of organizations are aware of the need for training in I and adopt courses for training. Microsoft Corporation, for example, included training courses such as inclusion and prejudices, Inclusion and allyand inclusion and privileges in their training on diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace aim to promote a work culture where everyone independently of their positions and identities feels in safety and value. It is essential to incorporate the principles of diversity and inclusion into an organization because it leads to better productivity, attracts new employees, retains existing talents, ensures a global reputation, organizational profits and intercultural conscience. Organizations can nourish a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace by incorporating strategies such as inclusive hiring, the integration of diversity and inclusion in their policies and objectives, and by adopting diversity, equity and equity Inclusion training. Workplaces can ensure diversity and inclusion and eliminate biases and discrimination for greater productivity.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is diversity and inclusion at work?

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace include promoting a work culture where everyone regardless of their identities and their positions feels respected and valued. This means to integrate employees with differences between all entry -level management positions into higher level management. The incorporation of diversity and inclusion is necessary for the organization to give positive results.

Why is it important to incorporate diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

It is essential to incorporate the principles of diversity and inclusion into an organization because it leads to better productivity, attracts new employees, retains existing talents, ensures a global reputation, organizational profits and intercultural conscience.

How can organizations implement a culture of diversity and inclusion?

Organizations can feed a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace by incorporating strategies such as inclusive hiring, the integration of diversity and inclusion in their policies and objectives, and by adopting diversity, equity and training in inclusion.