Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are two connected concepts, but remain different from each other.
Diversity is about representation or the make-up of a company’s workforce. Inclusion is about how well the contributions, presence and perspectives of different groups of people are valued and integrated into a workplace.
An environment where many different genders, races, nationalities, and sexual orientations and identities are present but only the perspectives of certain groups are valued or carry any authority or influence, may be diverse, but it is not inclusive.
What do we mean by diversity?
Diversity describes the ways in which we are different. A diverse workplace will be made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds at every level of the business, from entry-level roles all the way up to senior management.
A diversity policy aims to ensure people who have different experiences, skills, knowledge, abilities and values are provided with equally employment opportunities.
What do we mean by inclusion?
Inclusion describes the power employees have to make decisions and hold influence. Companies focused on creating an inclusive work environment will make sure that every employee can participate fully in the organisation.
Workers should feel that their voices are being heard, they have the same access as their colleagues to opportunities for success, regardless of their gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status and identity.
Why is it important to have diversity and Inclusion in the workplace?
Diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process, rather than a destination. With a well-designed diversity and inclusion policy, a company can not only make better and fairer decisions at the recruitment stage, but also foster a healthier workplace where employees feel heard and supported.
Research has shown many benefits of a diverse and inclusive culture within the workplace, including, higher revenue growth, greater readiness to innovate, increased ability to recruit a diverse talent pool, and 5.4 times higher employee retention.
When employees are treated fairly, they are 9.8 times more likely to look forward to going to work. Having an inclusive workplace culture will not only help you attract a diverse set of talent but also help you retain the diverse talent you attracted in the first place.
How we can help
At The Outsourced Recruitment Company, we strive to make sure our clients and staff feel accepted and equal. We are proud LGBTQI+ supporters, and have been supporters of Tauton Pride over the years. In 2020 we sponsored the Pride Stage. Taunton Pride celebrates arts, culture and LGBTQI+ events throughout Taunton Deane.
It has both a Pride Parade through the town centre and the Festival Day in Vivary. The Festival has multiple stages, a wellbeing area, literary area, children’s area, artists area with free creative workshops, awareness/support stalls, artisan foods, bars and cultural pop up’s!
For any more information on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both in general and OD Talent specific, please do get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you!