Employers are always looking for ways to give their business a competitive edge. They may invest in new technology, revamp their marketing strategy, or offer employees additional perks and benefits. But one thing they may not have considered is the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity and inclusion is much more than making sure you're not violating any anti-discrimination laws. It's about creating a workplace where everyone feels like they belong, and that their unique perspectives and experiences are valued. When done correctly, diversity and inclusion can lead to a number of positive outcomes for employers, including increased creativity and innovation, improved financial performance, and stronger relationships with customers.
Here are four reasons why diversity and inclusion should be a priority for employers:
1. Diversity Leads to Greater Creativity and Innovation
When you have employees from different backgrounds working together, they're going to approach problems from different angles. This can lead to more creativity and innovation because employees are considering problems from multiple perspectives.
2. Diverse Companies Perform Better Financially
Several studies have shown that companies with diverse workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts financially. One study by McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for racial/ethnic diversity were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.
3. Customers prefer working with diverse companies
Customers today want to do business with companies that share their values—and that includes valuing diversity and inclusion. In fact, 64% of consumers say they're likely to switch to a brand that supports a cause they care about. By publicly demonstrating your commitment to diversity through things like corporate social responsibility initiatives, you can make your company more attractive to potential customers.
4. A Diverse Workforce Helps You Attract Top Talent
The best talent wants to work for companies that embrace diversity. If you want to attract top applicants, you need to show them that your company is committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Diversity and inclusion is no longer just a nice-to-have; it's now essential for employers who want to stay competitive in today's marketplaces. From attracting top talent to boosting financial performance, there are countless reasons why employers should prioritize building a diverse and inclusive workforce. By making diversity and inclusion a priority at your company, you can create a strong competitive advantage that will help you attract the best talent, boost financial performance, improve customer relationships—and ultimately drive long-term success for your business.