Embracing diversity and inclusion is good for your people and better for business

Why inclusion creates a culture for success

While a mix of people will create a diverse team, it won’t create success unless there’s an inclusive culture in that workplace.

An inclusive workplace is where every employee, client and supplier feels welcome, safe, accepted and, most importantly, comfortable being themselves.

Inclusion gives a diverse workforce a place where they can flourish and succeed.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are more than simply respecting and accepting differences; they are about embracing and celebrating them.

And because they deliver such a range of positive organisational, team and individual outcomes, there’s a lot to celebrate⁴.

A more motivated team

People who feel welcomed, valued and respected will be happier at work. Which means they are more motivated and productive.

Stronger teamwork

An inclusive culture that respects everyone’s perspectives and voices is more likely to have strong team collaboration⁵.

Wider knowledge and perspectives

A diverse range of people will provide more knowledge and different perspectives. Fresh new approaches from motivated people often help tackle challenges, make for more effective problem-solving, and drive growth.

Creativity and innovation

With a wide variety of viewpoints and ideas, in a workplace where people feel valued and comfortable expressing their opinions, people are more likely to produce new ways of thinking and doing things.

Better customer experience

Removing barriers means more people can engage with you. A diverse employee base is better equipped to serve, empathise with, and respond to a more diverse range of customers.

Attract and retain talent

As well as opening your business up to the broadest possible pool of talent, a workplace that embraces and celebrates diversity will be a more attractive proposition for potential candidates from all backgrounds.

Build your brand

A more diverse and inclusive workplace will show existing and potential clients and customers that you are open and welcoming to everyone. This can boost your brand reputation and customer loyalty and create more opportunities for winning new business.

Building a better team

Ultimately, improving diversity and inclusion is about building a better team, and Disability Council Australia’s Inclusion@Work Index 2023-24 consistently shows a strong link between inclusion at work and team performance⁴.

They found that inclusive teams are:

• 10 times more likely to be innovative than non-inclusive teams
• Four times more likely to provide excellent customer service
• Eight times more likely to work effectively together
• Two and a half times more likely to have members willing to work extra hard to help their team succeed

In the end, inclusion is about making people feel good about themselves, which is the foundation of good mental health and wellbeing.

When people are happier at work, we know this has a positive flow-on effect in other parts of their lives, as well as our wider community.

Sources

1. Getting to equal: the disability inclusion advantage - Accenture
2. Equal opportunity and diversity - Business.gov.au
3. Diversity and inclusion (D&I): global strategic business report - Research and Markets
4. The case for D&I - Disability Council Australia
5. Waiter, is that inclusion in my soup? - Deloitte

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.