Diversity and inclusion studies are becoming more important in today's business world, as diversity and cultural richness from diverse backgrounds provide the balance of voices and diversity of thought we need. It is time for organizations to take a more proactive stance in employing a diverse workforce that reflects the real people of today's society. So, let's take a closer look at these advantages;
1. More innovation and creativity
Having a work environment full of employees with diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences and knowledge means that innovative and creative ideas will increase. This wealth helps businesses expand in the long run. Thanks to the sharing of unique ideas in a different environment, employees feel more comfortable while sharing their ideas with others. Thus, it helps a business stand out from those that still operate with one voice.
2. Diversity provides a range of skills
Having an inclusive and diverse environment allows broader perspectives to be integrated while brainstorming, solving problems and developing new business ideas.
3. Work performance increases
Diversity and inclusion are important factors that many look for when accepting a job offer. Seeing that your business has people of all backgrounds will make it easier for them to accept the job offer while making them feel more welcome. It will allow businesses to recruit the best talent.
4. Happier employees
Employees will be happier! Working in an environment that promotes diversity and inclusion will make employees feel happier being at work, and this will be reflected in the work produced. Employees will reveal opportunities for development in their job roles in a more relaxed environment, which will lead the business to success with the overall development of the business!
5. Increased productivity
Teamwork and providing a collaborative working environment are seen as one of the most important parameters that increase productivity in the business world. This is because a diverse team can offer their diverse experience and skills, allowing other colleagues to learn and work more comfortably together. Increased productivity means that ideas can be exchanged and the business can develop more quickly among competitors that do not have a diverse and inclusive workforce.
6. Helps you understand your customers
Having a diverse and inclusive team will not only benefit your business internally, but most importantly your current and potential customers. This is because you can market your business to people from different backgrounds that reflect those who are currently employed. Employees can promote the business effectively because they have similar backgrounds as the intended audience.
7. More talent to choose from
If the business promotes diversity and inclusion, you have more to choose from when it comes to finding new talent. It won't be about hiring a specific person who looks a certain way, but will instead focus on the skills a person can bring and contribute to the business so that only the best talent will be hired, helping the business grow.
8. Higher incomes
Having and successfully managing a diverse and inclusive workforce will ultimately pave the way for higher incomes. Employees will be happier in their job roles; new ideas will emerge and productivity will increase. Thus, it will pave the way for greater success and will enable the business to develop and stand out among its competitors.
Source:
Bianca Miller Cole – Extracted from Forbes magazine article (https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancamillercole/2020/09/15/8-reasons-why-diversity-and-inclusion-are-essential-to-business- success/?sh=2506144218)