Around 87% of companies believe that diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts have helped to enhance productivity and improve business value, according to research carried out by GoodFirms.
The US research firm’s latest Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace: Impacts and Requirements report also revealed that DE&I results in a better culture (80.8%) and increased innovation (76.9%). Around 63.9% saw improvement in business values and 52.2% said it improved their company’s reputation. According to the report, the results prove that diversity and inclusion play a crucial role to achieve a competitive business advantage.
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE CHARACTERISTICS
Most leaders agree that having an inclusive workplace is crucial, but it’s easier said than done. The meaning of being inclusive varies from one organisation to another, noted the report. However some of the top characteristics of an inclusive workplace include employees feeling like they have a voice (83.1%); followed by employees feeling valued (79.2%).
Working in a collaborative environment is also important for inclusion (76.3%); followed by offering opportunities to learn and grow (74.5%). It’s also vital to cultivate a sense of belonging (67.8%) and provide access to resources (53.3%).
Initiatives that can make a workplace more inclusive include regular employee survey (86.9%), followed by events focused on inclusivity (80.8%), revealed the report. Company-wide meetings (76.9%), easily accessible policies (63.9%) and frequent personal check-ins (52.2%) also help.
Additionally, the report found that everyone in an organisation has some role to play in cultivating an inclusive environment. However, the most significant roles are of team leaders (72%), followed by top management (69.6%), middle-level managers (59.6%), individuals (50%) and human resources officers (34.3%).
In short, senior and mid-management have a key role to play in accelerating inclusion, as recently reported.
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