Diversity and inclusivity in the workplace: why they are essential to reach success and how to cultivate it
Embracing diversity and inclusivity within the workplace is an essential thing in any company. Gone are the days when companies had to think only about how to reach more clients, marketing strategies and profit at the end of the month. Creating and managing an environment that celebrates diversity and creates an environment of inclusion is essential to reach success, since with that you get to retain talent within your company, bring new and unique perspectives,achieve better financial performance, and add more creativity to your business. The list of benefits goes on….
A diverse group of people in a meeting room
In this article, we will explore why diversity and inclusivity are not only essential for organisational growth, but also how to actively cultivate it within our teams. Let's go!
Table of contents
The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
What is diversity and inclusion?
The benefits of diversity in the workplace
The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
What is diversity and inclusion?
Notebook page with the words "Inclusion", "Diversity" and "Equality" written, some pencils, erasers and post-its.
First things first, what is the definition of these two topics? You’ve probably heard of them already, but sometimes their meaning may sound too broad.
Because of this, we checked the Cambridge Dictionary's definition: "the idea that all people should have equal rights and treatment and be welcomed and included so that they do not experience any disadvantage because of belonging to a particular group".
Notice that it is not just about having a number of people from different genders, ages, races or backgrounds and calling it a diverse and inclusive workplace. It's about having a diverse group of people and actively including them in your company, making sure that everyone's opinions are being heard and valued equally. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their ideas will be essential to your company's growth.
The benefits of diversity in the workplace
Planet earth in a green background, with several people around it.
One of the key reasons diversity and inclusivity are essential for success in the workplace is that they bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table, as mentioned in the introduction. When a team connects individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking, they are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. This diversity of thought can create and develop new ideas, which in turn creates a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
If you work in an international company, having people from different countries allows you to reach new and different markets, since they bring their linguistic/cultural knowledge and understanding of those markets. They can provide valuable insights and help tailor products or services to specific cultural preferences and needs. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers feel understood and catered to.
At Paperturn we are more than 12 nationalities, which allows us to reach new markets and talk to most of our clients in their native language (or the one they feel most comfortable with). This is amazing for sales, customer support, and marketing! This makes communication much easier since we can create a better connection with our customers and understand their needs more accurately.
White wall with pictures of the Paperturn family
Furthermore, embracing diversity and inclusivity creates a culture of creativity and collaboration. When employees feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their ideas, they are more likely to contribute with their unique skills and talents. In addition, diversity and inclusion also have a positive impact on employee morale and engagement. When people are valued, respected and included, they are more engaged and committed to their work. This leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction, as well as higher levels of employee retention. By cultivating an inclusive environment, companies can build strong and cohesive teams that can achieve success together.
Did you know that in an environment like the one mentioned before employees are:
How to cultivate and manage diversity in the workplace?
To cultivate and manage diversity in the workplace, companies can take several steps. First and foremost, it is important to establish clear policies and guidelines that promote inclusivity and discourage discrimination. This can include implementing a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or discrimination, for example.
In addition, companies should actively seek out diverse talent during the hiring process. This can involve forging partnerships with organisations that focus on promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as implementing blind hiring practices to reduce bias. By intentionally seeking out individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, companies can create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Tips:
Companies also need to pay attention to how they are being perceived by potential applicants. Check the language you are using and how you are describing the job position. Is it inviting or may sound like a barrier or not welcoming to some people?
Are you putting effort into diversity in your social media/website in your videos and pictures?
Once diverse talent is brought into the organisation, it is crucial to provide ways for their voice to be heard and to actively involve them in decision-making processes. This can be done through mentorship programs, employee resource groups and open forums for discussion.
Characters with a text box on a blue background
Furthermore, companies should continuously evaluate and monitor their diversity and inclusion efforts, seeking feedback from employees and making adjustments as necessary. This demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive environment and shows employees that their voices are valued continuously.
Another idea is to celebrate these differences and learn from others. For example, at Paperturn we have our "Monday Breakfast", where every week someone brings the team breakfast, inspired by their own country!
Conclusion
In conclusion, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace are essential for success in today's global marketplace. By embracing individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking, companies can foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration. This not only leads to a competitive advantage but also creates a culture of belonging and employee engagement.
Additionally, diversity allows companies to tap into new markets and better understand the needs and preferences of their customers. By actively cultivating and managing diversity in the workplace, companies can build strong and cohesive teams that drive growth and achieve success.
So, what steps will you take to promote more diversity and inclusivity in your company today?
