Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Matters in the Workplace
Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Matters in the Workplace
EDI is an acronym for Equality, Diversity and inclusion and it holds significant relevance within the workplace. It serves to cultivate awareness and catalyse the evolution of attitudes, behaviours, and operational methodologies, thereby fostering the development and perpetuation of a diverse and inclusive organisational culture.
What is Diversity?
Diversity is embracing and respecting different cultures and backgrounds. There are many different types of diversity including age, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental capabilities, religion, socio-economic status, privilege, nationality. Embracing the multifaceted concept of diversity is crucial in fostering inclusive working environments that honour the human existence and promote collective growth.
What is Equality?
Equality means making certain every person across the globe has equal opportunities in life. It also recognises that this hasn’t been the case historically with people facing extreme discrimination and inequality for things such as their race, gender, and sexual preferences. The reason equality is so important is due to the struggles many have faced in the past and been a victim to heinous crimes against them. The equality act was introduced in 2010 and prohibits all employers, service providers and providers of education from discriminating against, harassing or victimising individuals with protected characteristics.
What is Inclusion?
Inclusion can be described as ‘the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have been historically excluded (because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability).’ Inclusion goes beyond the acknowledgement of diversity, championing active participation and engagement of all individuals. By being inclusive it means breaking down barriers that may hinder people from participating in the workplace.
Why is it important?
It’s crucial to champion EDI in the workplace, as not only does it create a company culture of innovation, from people of all different backgrounds adding input and sharing creative ideas. It also allows for healthy debates and discussions with a wide range of different view points relating to your companies overall mission and values. Moreover, EDI is also aligned with societal expectations and ethics, therefore embracing this is necessary to creating a fair society and helping to break down archaic views and behaviours.
What are the benefits of delivering diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace?
To foster a positive working environment, it is imperative that equality, diversity and inclusion are factored into workplaces culture and strategy. Mckinsey & Company ran a report Diversity Matters which investigated public companies in the USA and discovered that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective industry medians.
- A larger pool of hiring candidates.
Engaging in any form of discriminator practices against potential employees prior to hiring is not only ethically reprehensible but also illegal. Such biases can severely hinder an organisations ability to tap into a wealth or exceptionally talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. Championing the principles of EDI not only aligns with legal and moral rules but also offers an advantage to companies. By fostering a culture of EDI, businesses open doors to a broader pool of talent, enabling them to access individuals with unique skills, perspectives, and experiences. Embracing diversity can lead to the acquisition of exceptional employees who can contribute significantly to the growth of an organisation.
- Employee happiness
When employees are treated equally and with fairness, the effect throughout the organisation will be impactful. Employees will be more likely to experience higher levels of job satisfaction and overall satisfaction. This will contribute to a workplace culture that thrives as a positive community, with workers educated on the importance of EDI therefore becoming amore engaged and empowered.
- Higher employee retention
The previous point leads in to employee retention. Companies always want to keep their key employees for as long as possible for a variety of reasons. Some being, to keep their costs down and avoiding training new recruits, to ensure they have an experienced team of employees and to keep morale high with a strong network bond which will happen in companies with a positive environment.
- Innovative meetings
By including people from different backgrounds, ages, races and more it means discussions are broader and more innovative, with different inputs meaning more meaningful meetings and therefore successful results.
Courses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Salford Professional Development offers the Chartered Management Institute accredited (CMI) 7 Award or Certificate in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. This course helps delegates understand EDI at a strategic level, develop strategic priorities and implement EDI in the future. It’s perfect for senior leaders, EDI champions and managers to build on their knowledge in this area and lead on the development and implementation of sustainable change.
