With all the press we read about equality, diversity and inclusion, many organisations are asking “is this the year of diversity in our business?”  For a business to progress and become more forward thinking, the answer has to be yes.

Research shows that organisations promoting a positive and healthy diverse approach, not only allow their workforce to flourish, but there is also a marked increase in collaboration, innovation and a collective ‘we are one’ mentality.

This is backed up by recent research that suggests gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to outperform their peers and ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to do the same.  Further research shows that companies with more women on the board statistically outperform their peers over a long period of time and inclusive teams outperform their peers by 80% in team-based assessments.

So where are the focus points to help businesses become more diverse?  Many believe that it has to start at the top – successful ED&I strategies are driven by their Managing Director’s, HR Director’s and where they have them, with their Talent & Inclusion Director’s.  The more forward thinking companies look to appoint a Diversity & Inclusion Committee who provide direction, leadership and support to the topic and work hard in promoting an inclusive culture and educating those in the business that need a reset in their thinking.

Other quick wins in switching to a more diverse culture include:

• Coaching sessions on the topic
• Identify and appoint diversity sponsors or champions
• Include ED&I in performance reviews and plans
• Listen and get feedback and encourage best practice and new ideas
• Implement a ‘challenge when it’s not right’ methodology
• Work with external providers

Diversity and inclusion also play a massive part in recruiting talent – widening the barriers of your recruitment pool allows you to hire people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences.  Businesses who constantly strive to recruit and maintain an equal workplace can benefit from create positive working relationships, greater productivity and performance, wider appeal to clients and customers and improved attraction and retention rates.

Futureproof Training are fully aware of the importance of this subject and what the benefits of a diverse culture are, come and talk to us to see where we can help your business.  Get in touch via info@futureproof-training.co.uk.