An organization is made up of a diverse body of people, who have unique qualities and belong to many different social groups.
Inclusivity involves giving respect to every individual and making them feel important. It is about consciously breaking down stereotypes and embracing differences rather than ignoring them. In an inclusive environment, employees will feel a sense of belonging.
Diversity and inclusion are both extremely important parts of a corporate culture today. A LinkedIn study reveals that diverse companies generate 2.5 times higher cash flow per employee, while inclusive teams are over 35% more productive. Additionally, a new Pew Research Center survey reveals that 56% of employed U.S. adults view increasing DEI at work as a positive initiative.If an organization ignores diversity, it ends up missing out on a great pool of talent that could benefit the organization’s growth. In an inclusive environment, every employee feels that they are a perfect fit and are equally important to the organization. This is not just a moral and ethical goal, and an upright and an excellent human value to teach; it also fosters an overall calm, productive, and warm atmosphere—leading to overall better performance.
The Difference Between Diversity & Inclusion
With increased connectivity and opportunities, the world has truly become a global village. In any organization, there will be many different ethnicities, religions, beliefs, races, genders, and nationalities. This wide spectrum of employees creates diversity in the workplace.
Just hiring diverse individuals is not enough. Unless the unique identity and mindset of each person is acknowledged, celebrated, and encouraged, diversity is of no use! An organization should embrace people of different beliefs and backgrounds and encourage them to thrive. When it gives them equal opportunities and treats them fairly without conscious or unconscious bias, that’s when we can truly call the organization inclusive!
As the saying goes,”Being invited to a party is diversity, but being asked to dance is inclusion.”
Why are Diversity and Inclusion Important in a Workplace?
Better Employee Retention:
Employees are more likely to leave an organization if they believe their interests are not being addressed or are being hampered by their continued employment. A workplace that actively acknowledges and works towards the interests of different employees will create a very comfortable atmosphere and help you retain the best employees in your firm.
Revenue Growth:
When talented employees are provided an unbiased atmosphere to work and thrive in, they will give their very best. Employers also attract the best employees when they judge only based on their talent and not on their beliefs, ideas, or interests. This is why creating an inclusive atmosphere ultimately contributes to a company’s revenue growth.
Solid Company Goodwill:
When you have employees spending 6 to 8 hours in a particular space, you need to develop feelings of goodwill between them and the company. By creating a welcoming environment, the company can foster goodwill that will boost the company’s reputation and ensure good mental health and well-being for every employee.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction:
A company can only deliver satisfaction to its customers through its employees. If the employees are satisfied, it is only then that they can work in a way that can satisfy the clients and customers. A company that keeps its employees on the top and practices inclusivity will prosper greatly because then the employees treat the company like their own and do all in their power to ensure its success.
What Is An Inclusive Workplace?
Inclusivity embraces everybody irrespective of their abilities, similarities, and differences, and respects whatever thoughts or ideas set them apart. An inclusive workplace does not use a rigid yardstick to measure the potential of every individual working with an organization, including its customers and clients.
An inclusive workplace is one where employees’ identities or beliefs do not prevent them from focusing on how they can contribute to the development of an organization using the skills they possess.
Conclusion:
A warm sense of belonging and togetherness is essential for human growth. By introducing D&I in an organization, we present ourselves as more human and more tolerant towards each other. This is exactly what the world needs right now, and is exactly what an organization needs to grow and develop.
Also read:
A Guide to Building a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
How to create a Diverse Talent Pool
