Diversity and inclusion: We can’t go forward without it

Why are diversity and inclusion fundamental for all kinds of businesses in achieving maximum productivity? Imagine a world that looks the same, does everything in the same way and thinks the same way. It would be a bland world. The same applies when it comes to your workplace. If all of your team members have exactly the same experience, background, and skills, they would all bring the same perspective to the table. Our world is diverse for a reason, and so should be your work team.

To create a team that will allow your business to boost its creativity and innovation to another level, you need diverse people with a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Over the years, it has become essential for executives and managers to consider and ensure the diversity and inclusion at their workplace. Not only due to social agenda and policies but to explore businesses' potential. 

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion? 

Even though this topic has been trending amongst various professionals, we should first fully understand the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity is about the representation of people with different ethnicities, genders, ages, or physical abilities. Whereas inclusion ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, progress and in turn, become indistinguishably integrated into the work environment. 

Strictly speaking, diversity is the reality, and inclusion equals action. 

However, diversity and inclusion at the workplace are more complex than simply hiring enough women or people of colour. If half of your employees are women, yet none of them hold a managing position, then you should ask yourself whether your workplace is truly diverse and inclusive. 

How diversity and inclusion can boost your business performance 

Many types of research have shown how diversity and inclusion can positively influence companies financially, and directly boost their performance. The McKinsey and Company report highlights how companies with a higher rate of gender diversity are more likely to achieve above-average financial returns. Moreover, recent data reveals that in the United Kingdom companies with greater gender diversity in senior-executive positions corresponded to the highest performance uplift. Such companies as these are 25% more likely to outperform those who do not endorse gender diversity and inclusion. 

You may now wonder why every business has not yet embraced diversity and inclusion. In the next couple of years, there will be a significant change in how companies around the world operate. The world is changing and people are becoming more aware of the ways we can improve our society and businesses. Not only for social agendas, but diversity and inclusion will become key elements because of their remarkable impact on company performance. To ensure inclusion in your company, you will need to take real actions, that will result in real changes.  

Time to think about gender equality on International Women’s Day

Through implementing diversity and inclusion into your business strategy, you will be able to spot visible improvements in performance across all teams. And the timing couldn't be better to take a moment and think about gender equality - March is known as Women’s month. On the 8th of March since 1911 (as officially acknowledged by the UN in 1975), women around the world celebrate how far they have come in society, politics, economies, and all other areas. On International Women’s Day, women all around the world unite to celebrate women's achievements and continue to create a world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world where everyone, regardless of their gender, will be given equal opportunities and equal treatment. In line with this, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, to raise awareness against bias and encourage people to take action to forge women’s equality. Moreover, the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, shows that it will take 135.6 years to close the gender gap worldwide. Therefore, it is even more important to acknowledge the challenges we are facing, and embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace will directly aid to shorten the estimated time to erase the gap. 

Gender diversity and inclusion, are key elements that will allow your company to unleash the potential that perhaps you haven’t explored yet. The difference should be valued and celebrated, as it offers various perspectives over one uninspired mindset based on the same cultural voice. By leveraging diversity and inclusion in your business, you can challenge disused methods and help your company to ameliorate its performance.

Begin your journey with Ikigai Authentic 

Here at Ikigai Authentic, we are aware of how different and diverse the world is. We aim to unleash your business potential by integrating diversity and inclusion into your strategy. We provide real solutions of how to manage issues in accordance with your corporate culture, organisational size, and industry type. Our vision is simple; create a workplace where everyone will be valued and appreciated for their unique skills and experiences. A society worth living in - a society that offers ‘ikigai’. Contact us today and find out how diversity and inclusion can boost your company's performance and possibilities.