A workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, accepted and comfortable being themselves, and where everyone’s voice is heard, is a workplace where people can thrive.
It’s no real surprise that research has found that businesses embracing best practices for diversity and inclusion enjoy better business performance.
Diversity is enshrined in our laws, with the UK Equality Act 2010 put in place to reduce socio-economic inequalities by providing legal protection for people with protected characteristics.
This means it’s against the law to treat someone less favourably than someone else because of a personal characteristic such as religion, sex, gender reassignment or age.
Ultimately, it’s about protecting people’s wellbeing.
Ensuring everyone can earn a living without workplace discrimination and bullying, in a place where they feel valued and can make a contribution, helps them feel happier.
Happier workers are more motivated.
More motivated workers are more productive. And a more productive team is good for every organisation.
A recent Australian study found that an inclusive team will be 35% more productive.
Inclusion creates a culture for success
An inclusive workplace is where every employee, client and supplier feels welcome, safe, accepted and, most importantly, comfortable being themselves.
Inclusion gives a diverse workforce a place where they can flourish and succeed.
Yes, it’s about respecting and accepting differences, but more importantly, it’s about celebrating them.
And there’s a lot to celebrate, with so many benefits of a diverse workplace and inclusive culture.
Happiness and productivity
People who feel welcomed, valued and respected will be happier at work.
Which means they are more motivated.
Stronger teamwork
An inclusive culture that respects everyone’s perspectives and voices is more likely to have strong team collaboration.
Many different perspectives also make for more effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.
Wider knowledge and perspectives
A diverse range of people will give you more knowledge and different perspectives.
Fresh new approaches from motivated people often help tackle challenges and drive growth.
Creativity and innovation
Having a wide variety of viewpoints and ideas, in a place where people feel valued and comfortable expressing their opinions, is bound to produce new ways of thinking and doing things.
Better customer experience
By removing barriers, more people can engage with you.
A diverse employee base is better equipped to serve, empathise with, and respond to a more diverse range of customers.
Attract and retain talent
As well as opening your business up to the broadest possible pool of talent, a workplace that embraces and celebrates diversity will be a more attractive proposition for potential candidates from all backgrounds.
Build your brand
A more diverse and inclusive workplace will show existing and potential clients and customers that you are open and welcoming to everyone.
This can boost your brand reputation and customer loyalty and create more opportunities for winning new business.
In the end, inclusion is about making people feel good about themselves – a fundamental part of good mental health and wellbeing.
When people are happier at work, we know this has a positive flow-on effect in other parts of their lives, as well as our wider community.
Sources and resources
- Getting to equal: The disability inclusion advantage – Accenture
- Equality act 2010 – Legislation.gov.uk
- Employers: preventing discrimination – Gov.uk
- Diversity and inclusion (D&I) – Global strategic business report – Research and Markets
- Equality, diversity and inclusion – Acas
- Waiter, is that inclusion in my soup? A new recipe to improve business performance – Deloitte