Ready to dive into the heart of workplace transformation? You're in the right place. At FIND, we're passionate about exploring the dynamics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D,E&I) in the workplace, and we're a prime example of how making room for DEI in your organisation can drive positive change. Embracing DEI makes your business more successful and more attractive to top talent, which is especially true for the new generation of the workforce. In recent times there has been some great progress towards diversity initiatives, but there is still plenty of ground to cover! While many organisations are becoming more progressive and adopting these ideas into everyday polices and procedures, it's still not the norm. To learn what exactly Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is, why DEI is so important in the workplace, and the positive impact the inclusion of these principles can have on your organisation, continue to the full article below!
‘Take a look around the room, and see who isn’t sitting at the table’ was the opening line delivered to us at Find Recruitment by Latayvia Tualsea-Tautai from the Gender-at-Work Community during our Pink Shirt Day event in 2023. Diversity is about taking a genuine look at your organisation and recognising what viewpoints, representation and perspectives you’re missing. Diversity, equity, and inclusion, or D,E&I, has become an immensely important subject in recent years, yet it is surrounded by a fair amount of misunderstanding and misinformation. D,E&I is crucial for building engaged and motivated teams within your organisation, and is fundamental for fostering a positive and productive environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace refers to the proactive efforts made by organisations to create a work environment that values and appreciates individual differences, these differences include different genders, races, ethnicities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, and classes. Traditional systemic business practices are not catered towards diverse groups, which is why allyship and awareness is so critical. Inclusion involves fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Embracing DEI in the workplace not only promotes social justice but also enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organisational performance by harnessing the power of multiple viewpoints and experiences.
It's important for people to feel valued. From a purely commercial standpoint, employees who feel like an integral part of a business, and like they’re accurately represented tend to deliver higher results, and greater business outcomes. Whether they’re a gender-transitionary individual, or a mother returning from parental leave, having accurate representation of different groups within your business can only deliver positive outcomes.
Diversity refers to the presence and recognition of differences among individuals in the workplace. It encompasses a wide range of attributes, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, educational background, and more. Embracing diversity acknowledges and values these differences, promoting a varied and inclusive environment. A diverse workforce fosters a deep array of perspectives and experiences, enhancing creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. A good example of diversity at practice is recruiting employees from various countries and backgrounds, a person born and raised in Singapore will have completely different experiences that will give them a different perspective on their way of working and vision.
Equity involves ensuring fairness and impartiality in processes, policies, and practices, guaranteeing equal opportunities and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. It recognises that different individuals require different levels of support and resources to achieve equal outcomes, addressing historical disadvantages and systemic barriers. Equity promotes a level playing field, striving to eliminate disparities and create a more fair and inclusive society. In the workplace, equity measures focus on providing fair access to resources, promotions, training, and decision-making processes, ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth. A good example of equity at practice is skills-based hiring. As not all people have access to higher education that act as barriers to entry for some roles, try instead hiring based on skills and experience of earnt from past work, where the candidate might’ve developed the necessary skills for the job, rather than writing-off anyone without the correct degree.
Inclusion refers to the deliberate effort to create a culture where every individual feels welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of their differences. It goes beyond tolerance and acceptance, encouraging active participation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Inclusive environments empower individuals to contribute their unique perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. In the workplace, inclusion initiatives involve creating supportive policies, promoting open communication, embracing diverse viewpoints, and celebrating achievements to cultivate a truly inclusive organisational culture. A good example of inclusivity at practice is with the company American Express, they believe an inclusive workplace starts at the top, which is why they have mandatory inclusion training for leaders at the VP level and above.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are drivers of creativity and innovation in work places worldwide. Diverse teams, comprised of individuals from various cultural, ethnic, gender, and educational backgrounds, bring a multitude of perspectives. This diversity of viewpoints serves as a catalyst for innovative thinking. When employees with different life experiences and outlooks collaborate, they offer a broad spectrum of ideas, leading to innovative solutions to complex problems.
DEI initiatives promote inclusivity and equality, ensuring that every team member's voice is heard and valued. In an inclusive environment, individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of prejudice. This sense of psychological safety fosters a culture of innovation where employees are more willing to take risks, experiment with new concepts, and explore unconventional approaches to tasks.
DEI programmes are pivotal in shaping a reputation that draws both talent and customers. In the realm of attracting talent, an inclusive work environment speaks volumes. Job seekers are increasingly discerning, looking not only for job roles but for workplaces where they feel valued and respected. Companies fostering diversity and inclusion send a clear message: here is an environment where everyone has an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
Career development opportunities are key attractors to new talent on the job hunt. DEI efforts ensure equal access to training, mentorship, and promotions. Demonstrating a commitment to fairness resonates strongly with potential employees, indicating that the organisation invests in its workforce's growth and advancement. Visibility matters too; a diverse leadership team and employees from various backgrounds highlight a company's openness, making it more appealing to potential hires.
Positive employee experiences fuel word-of-mouth recommendations. A happy employee is a natural brand ambassador, endorsing their workplace to both potential colleagues, clients, and customers. Sharing their stories through various platforms, echo the company’s commitment to inclusivity, further enhancing its positive reputation.
According to CNBC|SurveyMonkey Workforce Happiness Index: April 2021, a large majority of the workforce(78%) say it’s important to them to work in an organisation that prioritises DEI, and more than half (53%) consider it to be very important. In an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, employees form emotional connections with their workplace. This sense of belonging and acceptance fosters loyalty, making employees less inclined to leave for other opportunities.
Here at Find, we are always working towards maintaining D,E&I policies and initiatives to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace that aligns with our core values and supports our team’s wellbeing and personal growth. We believe that embracing diversity in all its forms enhances creativity, innovation, and overall team performance. In our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we collaborate with organisations like the Pride Pledge, the Gender-at-Work community, Autism NZ. We’re regular supporters for our communities, whether through volunteer work with the Breast Cancer drive, donating our time in December for Gifts for Kids or showing up to support and present on panels at Gender-at-Work events. Through our ongoing efforts and collaborations, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact where we can.
Thanks for your interest in what we do here at FIND. We love meeting and helping amazing kiwis every day and will always do our best for our clients and candidates. We've been simplifying the recruitment game since 2008, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you need our help!
