Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can drive competitiveness in business, but how and why?
Below, we share some stories about how a diverse workforce can drive success in the company. The stories come from several small and larger firms with whom we had conversations about the DEI.
These are just few illustrations of how firms can do both - contribute to socially sustainable society and do successful business. We are sure that you have many more stories to tell.
So, let's start a conversation about a business case for DEI:
➡ Hiring someone who speaks a foreign language or understands the foreign culture means having the resources to enter new markets. Where do you see yourself next? EMEA regions, Asia or the USA, these new possibilities could be enabled through strategic approach to diversity management in the firm. Even one person in the SME can enable its growth and scaling in international markets, if the person has the right profile matched with firms strategic plans to grow.
➡ New profiles of different kind (gender, age, culture, language, education, care giving responsibilities, etc.) mean new viewpoints. For example, the decision-making can improve by hiring females into the management team or individuals from other diverse groups, if their diverse viewpoints are strategically taken into account.
➡ Age is only just a number. Innovative ideas, talents or solution-design can be offered by person in the late stage of their career, but also by fresh graduates, who have just entered the working life. Their ideas could bring the perspective on decisions being considered in the context of time .
➡ Diverse abilities can be a powerful element in the team. More than bringing perspectives to employees, it can also lighten the atmosphere at work or better the relationships between colleagues. Diverse abilities often bring strong motivations to the workplace that spread such vibes among other team members.