Why diversity matters

“Diversity – the art of thinking independently together” – Malcolm Forbes

Not many would argue that diversity in the workplace isn’t ‘a good thing’. It’s a point of view accepted across all sectors of industry and commerce. So much so, that it’s become almost trite, bordering on meaningless.  Do we just apply the principle to pay lip service to politically correct ideals? Or are there sound practical as well as ethical reasons for a diverse approach to employment?

A close study of the issue demonstrates several sound business reasons for making sure your team comprises a variety of genders, ethnic backgrounds, mindsets, personalities and traits.

Research shows that with a fully diverse workforce, your business will have a 35% greater chance of success than your less diverse competitors.

There are at least five good reasons why you should build diversity into your recruitment strategy.

1. Stronger Applicants

With a diverse workforce, you’ll find that when you do recruit, your company will appeal to far more candidates.

They are much more likely to find attractive an employer who clearly has a contemporary ethos – a modern, forward-looking vision for its employees.

For the same reasons, a diverse workforce will ensure far greater staff retention.

2. Greater worldwide opportunities

Is your business international, or are you planning to expand globally? If so, clearly having appropriately diverse staff in key positions will be critical.  You won’t want language difficulties to be any kind of a barrier to client relations.

Employees who are fluent in the languages of your target markets will be key.

3. More talents, skills and experience

The more people you take on from a variety of backgrounds, the more likely your company is to benefit from the inherent diversity of skillsets.

Of course, your employees will have many similar traits and experiences.  But, there’s always a strong chance that each will bring at least one unique skill or element of experience to your team.  This could manifest itself as a fresh approach to marketing, to client relations or a new process.  Whatever they contribute that’s fresh, they will pass on to their colleagues, enabling them to develop and thus further increase the strength of your business.

4. Improved individual performances

The success, or otherwise, of your organisation will be down to a number of factors.  Chief among these is the chemistry between your individual team members.  Without a diverse mix, it will be much tougher to have everyone pulling in the same direction.

5. Innovation

With a variety of diverse employee types and skill sets, your business will, almost by definition, be open to innovation – new ideas and approaches, which will inevitably lead to growth and increased prosperity.

Diversity will push every employee to strive for better things and encourage them to excel.

Here to help

As experts in Employee Engagement & Retention, we understand the complexities of workplace dynamics. We appreciate the value of a strong company ethos and how vital it is for you to build a team that buys into that ethos – with every employee bringing their own strengths and skill-sets to the party. We’re here to offer guidance and support to help you develop and maintain that same critical diverse structure.

For straight-talking advice on all aspects of HR, call us – 01604 763494

Or email – info@GravitasHR.co.uk