Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: What It Is and Why It Matters

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Today’s workplace is extremely dynamic and fast-paced. Companies must implement innovative strategies in this challenging environment to stay ahead of their competition. To do this, many organizations have implemented programs focusing on employee diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace to provide a positive work experience for employees from various backgrounds.  

After reading this article, you will understand what diversity and inclusion in the workplace mean, why they are important, and how they can improve your company’s performance. Let’s dive in.  

What is Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace? 

Diversity and inclusion (D & I) are practices that seek to promote equality and fair treatment in the workplace by creating a more inclusive environment for people from different backgrounds. Although they are often paired together, diversity and inclusion refer to different things.  

Diversity covers the characteristics and traits that make people unique. It involves strategies that actively seek to employ a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, and more. Inclusion is about how welcome people feel within the workspace and includes programs that support employees who face challenges for any number of reasons related to their identity. While they are different, you can’t have one without the other.  

Why Is Diversity and Inclusion Important?

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

A fair and equal opportunity society is important for all aspects of life. However, McKinsey research shows that there is also a strong business case for focusing on D & I in the workplace. In 2019 the top quartile of companies for ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more profitable than the bottom quartile. Companies with an equal gender balance are also more likely to outperform those without. 

 D & I in the workplace has many positive effects on organizations, including increased productivity, higher rates of employee retention and satisfaction, and better decision-making as your employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.  

How to Achieve D & I in the Workplace? 

Now you understand what diversity and inclusion in the workplace mean and why they are important, you are probably asking how to achieve it.   

Think Beyond Hiring Practices  

There has been a significant push recently to introduce anonymous hiring practices or diversity quotas, but these barely scratch the surface of what needs to be done. Organizations that want to foster a culture of D & I must also focus on promoting leaders from various backgrounds. This means that organizations should provide opportunities for people to advance their careers and make available support and assistance.  

Focus on Employee Retention   

Many organizations struggle with high turnover rates among employees from various backgrounds. D & I efforts can help organizations to better retain their employees. The HR department is vital to making the workplace an inclusive and supportive environment. When employees do leave, it is essential to hold exit talks, find out if there were any reasons for leaving and act to fix them. 

Draw on the Experience of Others 

Rather than figure it out on your own, there is a wealth of experience you can turn to. Sheree Atcheson emphasizes the importance of educating yourself and not assuming that what works for one works for everyone. Meanwhile, Dee Agarwal points out that you need an unwavering commitment to any new workplace initiative.  

This commitment includes becoming aware of your own biases, understanding cultural nuances, and, most importantly, cultivating humility so that you can take accountability for your mistakes and be willing to learn from them. Seeking out advice, wether its from leaders in the industry or those you work with allows you to learn from the mistakes of others and develop different perspectives. 

Bottom Line 

Diversity and inclusion are essential aspects of any successful organization. Organizations that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace reap many benefits, including increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction, and better decision-making.  

Leaders within organizations can promote D & I by creating a climate that encourages inclusion and focuses on employee retention. D & I should also be incorporated into an organization’s broader HR strategy, and leaders from underrepresented backgrounds should be developed to foster an inclusive culture.