Why are equality, diversity and inclusion important?

Diverse workplaces are likely to be more profitable companies,

Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians Why Diversity Matters McKinsey

Diverse teams make better decisions:

They focus more on facts. - This is because they may more closely scrutinize each other’s actions.

They become less entrenched in “group think,” which may blind them to key pieces of information.

They process facts more carefully - This is because they are considering perspectives of people who think differently than they do.

They are more innovative -  This is because conformity discourages innovative thinking; diverse perspectives encourage new ways of looking at problems. “Why Diverse Teams Are Smarter,” HBR

Inclusion

The culture in which the mix of people can come to work, feel comfortable and confident to be themselves, and work in a way that suits them and delivers your business or service needs

Inclusive leadership

Diverse teams with inclusive leaders are high performing, make high quality decisions and behave collaboratively. A 10% improvement in perceptions of inclusion increases work attendance by 1 day per year per employee

Inclusive leaders show:

Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations, and How to Become One - HBR

Positive behaviours

Trustworthy Able to react with consideration of others Able to listen Courage to challenge with care and respect
Respectful of others and of self Recognise when compromise is needed Principled Fair
Tolerant Non-judgemental Thoughtful Considerate
Open-minded Able to let go when appropriate Honest Interested

Questions for the benshi.ai team on this topic:

  1. What is important in relation to equality diversity and inclusion
  2. What do we do well?
  3. What do we need to work on?