Sandi Wassmer
Chief Executive Officer, Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei)
As some organisations retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), it’s crucial to recognise its legal, moral and commercial value.
A diverse workforce and inclusive culture boost innovation, productivityand talent retention — especially in STEM, where competition for skills is high.
DEI backlash risk
With the political push against DEI continuing in the US, many UK organisations are reviewing their DEI efforts, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, some organisations who were halfway down the anti-woke road are using this as an excuse to ditch DEI efforts altogether, which is very disconcerting.
In the UK, there is a solid legal imperative for DEI, with both employment and equality legislation protecting employees’ rights. Moreover, there is a strong moral imperative. As we live in a society that strives to be fair and equitable, there is also an incredibly powerful business imperative.
Having a diverse workforce
and an inclusive culture is key to
organisations having a competitive edge.
Inclusive culture benefits
Having a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture is key to organisations having a competitive edge. An inclusive and psychologically safe environment allows people to feel free to be themselves, take risks, raise concerns and participate in decisions that shape their working lives. It also encourages them to make mistakes and learn from them, and to feel part of something bigger than themselves. This kind of environment leads to higher staff retention, lower absence levels, greater work satisfaction and increased productivity.
On this foundation, having a diverse workforce that represents the communities and customers you serve leads to increased creativity and innovation. This results in products and services that remain relevant and delight customers long into the future.
Using DEI to drive retention
As the STEM sector faces ongoing talent attraction and retention challenges, it’s crucial to ensure that DEI is at the heart of every stage of the employee life cycle. Creating an environment where everyone has all the resources they need to thrive and flourish is essential for business success.
