The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
in the Workplace

Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace are not just corporate tea time gossip, it is one of the important pillars for an organization while making the bridge to success for a brighter and prosperous future. Diversity and Inclusion is not only increasing set of foots and policies after policies, if implemented properly it opens a gateway of different perspectives and years of experience which will result in enhancement of work culture eventually resulting in rise of overall performance. Giving support to varied backgrounds and unique abilities of the employees can create a healthy work environment ultimately driving organization forward. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), companies with more inclusive work cultures and policies experience a 59% increase in innovation, along with a 62.6% increase in productivity and profitability.

Now let us understand what does diversity and inclusion really means. Diversity in the workplace, as the name suggest it means giving space to every gender, races and ethnicities in the organization to have the opportunity to become a part of the organization and its development. Diversity gives opportunity to both the company and their employees. Opportunity to company as in getting different perspectives and experience and opportunity to employees as in getting a chance to explore the career they dream of.

Inclusion on the other hand means including, including all the diverse employees in the company’s growth process. Giving every employee the chance to be included in any ideas or projects the company is working on. Having employees feel their inclusion in company results in effective outputs and faster growths.

According to company research published on greatplacetowork.com when employees trust that they, and their colleagues, will be treated fairly regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or age, they are.
• 9.8 times more likely to look forward to going to work
• 6.3 times more likely to have pride in their work
• 5.4 times more likely to want to stay a long time at their company
Having an inclusive workplace culture will not only help you attract a diverse set of talent but also help you retain the diverse talent you attracted in the first place.

Also in the Forbes newsletter 8 reasons why diversity and inclusion are essential to business success are: -

1. Greater Innovation and Creativity
2. Diversity provides a range of skills
3. The business will be boosted
4. Happier employees
5. Increased productivity
6. Understand your customers
7. More talent to choose from
8. Higher Revenues

So if you want a ton of ideas and different approach for your companies exponential growth then diversifying your workplace is a great start.