“Inclusive workforces have become fundamental pillars for businesses aiming to cultivate fair, innovative, and productive workplaces. Research consistently shows that organisations with strongly inclusive cultures attract, progress and retain top talent, expand their pool of skilled individuals, and enhance their employer branding.
Embracing inclusivity brings different perspectives, improves decision-making processes, and mitigates the risk of groupthink, all of which contribute to more effective business operations. Boston Consulting Group, for example, has noted that companies with above-average diversity in their management team have experienced a 19% higher positive impact on innovation than organisations with below-average leadership diversity.
A culture of inclusivity enables organisations to better understand their customers, meet inclusive market needs, and expand their reach. Implementing inclusive practices aligns with legal and ethical standards (e.g. anti-discrimination laws) while addressing unconscious biases and fostering inclusive environments.
Ultimately, to be successful, inclusivity must be based on a business case. Businesses must see a benefit and return on investment. Measuring inclusive impact through metrics and employee feedback helps companies refine and strengthen their initiatives and underpin the business case approach.”
– An excerpt from the research report’s introduction.
