Every company strives to become more diverse and inclusive when it comes to its employees. But what does that mean?

To put it simply, diversity, inclusion and belonging are related values that establish a supportive environment at work for people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, backgrounds, and beliefs. It results in a much more harmonious and productive workplace and fosters a culture of belonging, with everyone contributing without being held back by unreasonable stigmas.

Brands that foster diversity, inclusion and belonging are also found to have a noticeable advantage in terms of overcoming challenges, responding to a global customer base, and attracting talent.

According to a 2023 study published by Ernst and Young, 63% of surveyed workers would opt for a company that prioritises DE&I over one that does not, while 74% state that their company's emphasis on DE&I influences their decision on where to work, especially with younger generations. 

Let's take a close look at the implementation and impact of these values when it comes to the modern workforce. 

How companies can commit and integrate diversity, inclusion and belonging into their organisational culture?

Acknowledging and embracing diversity

Employees need to work towards understanding and valuing the uniqueness that each employee brings to the company. Again, the goal is not merely to highlight the differences but to embrace them as contributing factors to a more dynamic and productive workplace. 

Identify vital junctures where changes can be made

Recognising critical moments where adjustments and improvement can be made within the system is an indispensable part of the push toward diversity. t involves highlighting potential challenges and inefficiencies related to diversity that exist within the workplace and working together to bring meaningful changes.

Committing to employee wellbeing

The goal of any company should be to prioritise the health and wellbeing of an employee regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other points of diversity. Creating initiatives that offer wellness programs and mental support will go a long way to improve the quality of work life. The underlying principle here is to recognise employees as valuable contributors to the company rather than as resources.

Encourage open conversations

The most crucial part of the success of a diversity, inclusion or belonging initiative is simply talking openly about it. Employees should be comfortable enough to speak to the company about issues related to diversity and inclusiveness. Having open conversations about these issues fosters a feeling of safe spaces where employees can express themselves without any fear of reprisal or judgement.

Contemporary HR policies & practices

Company HR policies also need to evolve to integrate the ideals of diversity, inclusion and belonging, ensuring all employees are treated fairly and equally. Drafting proactive policies involves taking a deeper look into existing HR policies to address biases and inadequacies present in any type of company-related content like promotions, job descriptions, and website copy. 

Prioritise actions 

The need of the hour when it comes to inculcating a diverse work culture is to focus on tangible actions that address these issues. Having a vision and crafting a strategy that works for your organisation and aligns with your vision is the essential first step. Furthermore, employee education and focused communication campaigns play a very vital role in helping everyone see different perspectives and become more aware. These can include employee workshops, communication campaigns, and company-led education programs.

Impact on company reputation and workforce motivation

A 2021 Deloitte research on 'Why does Belonging Matter in the Workplace' shows that Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives not only benefit employees but also contribute to business growth. These initiatives have been linked to a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a remarkable 167% increase in employer net promoter score.

Builds on company reputation

Companies that focus on diversity and inclusivity have a marked positive impact compared to those that don’t. It raises the brand's reputation in the eyes of customers, investors, and the community as a whole. A positive reputation reinforces the company’s image as a top employer and attracts the top talent in the industry. 

Employee empowerment

An empowered employee is an individual who has the tools, resources, and support to help them contribute meaningfully to the workplace. The key to empowering an employee is to ensure that they’re heard and valued by the company, which is exactly what the values of diversity, inclusion and belonging are about. In a diverse and inclusive environment, employees are motivated to excel in their roles and are more invested in the company's success. This fosters a culture of belonging in the organisation contributing to enhanced employee productivity.

Fostering collaboration and innovation

A diverse and inclusive workplace encourages employees to share their ideas and opinions without the fear of judgement hanging above them. It results in a more creative thought process, which benefits the company in myriad ways. People also enjoy working with one another, making time spent at work more productive and satisfying.

Committing to and integrating diversity, inclusion and belonging into the fabric of the workplace culture not only helps build a resilient workplace but guides and shapes us to be better as individuals. Following these principles ensures that employees, across all levels, are heard and valued. The aim is to foster a sense of belonging within a community that empowers individuals to pursue their goals freely within the company.