Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Paul Brown
21.05.19
In celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity, we spoke to COO Sheila Flavell to hear some first-hand insight on the benefits of having a diverse workforce.
A core value at FDM is that ‘together we are stronger’, and it is the differences that exist amongst us that make FDM stronger as one. As a people business, fostering an inclusive recruitment process that leads to a diverse working environment has always been key to our success. Diversity, equity and inclusion are two different things that go hand in hand – and companies that manage to achieve both will reap the benefits. Here are three reasons why businesses should work towards achieving an inclusive workforce that values diversity.
Diversity yields a wider range of skills and better decision-making
Providing unconscious bias training to employees is one effective way to make sure your team hires the best person for a job. Even unintentionally, it’s common to gravitate towards hiring someone with experiences similar to your own. In addition to unconscious bias training, FDM uses strength-based interview questions in our assessment days to ensure that candidates are not assessed on previous opportunities, but rather their overall aptitude – instincts, problem-solving skills and situational decision making.
Employees will naturally have different sets of skills and talents. Bringing a wider range of perspectives to the table for brainstorming, problem solving and strategic development will result in innovative ways to tackle business challenges. Exposure to different thinking and talents also helps all of your people grow and learn how to help the business perform more effectively in a global economy.
Diversity fosters empowerment
While gender and ethnicity are crucial facets of diversity, it’s important to remember that diversity encompasses a much wider breadth of characteristics and experiences – age, education, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation and visible and non-visible disabilities. All of these contribute unique perspectives that tie in to making better informed decisions for the business.
Socioeconomic divides continue to prove a barrier, so it’s important for organisations to look at how they can support the development of skills and education for communities at an early age. FDM, for example, runs educational STEM workshops for students around the world in order to inspire the next generation of up-and-coming technologists.
Diversity will boost your reputation, your brand and your productivity
Research shows that diverse companies are more profitable and more appealing to work for than companies lacking diversity. This reinforces best practice to potential employees and clients, which will impact the success of your business.
A multi-cultural organisation will be better placed to service and satisfy clients. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fit today’s world; being able to relate to a global market is important.
An Australian Deloitte study found that employees are more likely to have higher rates of engagement, attendance and performance in diverse organizations. Employees that feel comfortable, valued and respected in their place of work are motivated to continue contributing to the ongoing success of the business. Diversity, equity and inclusion are, quite simply, good for our global economy and good for business.
A diverse and inclusive culture is imperative for a business to continue to thrive because it puts its people at the heart of its operation. Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice.