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The importance of the D&I agenda has skyrocketed over the years. It is now viewed as a core part of most HR strategy – underpinned by the idea that a more diverse workforce creates more harmonious working environments, breeds better creativity and results in a better understanding of the customer, which leads to greater commercial success. This is backed by stats.
Previous Glassdoor research found that 67% of active and passive jobseekers felt that a diverse workforce is an important factor when considering new job opportunities. While D&I can help attract top talent into the business, it also has benefits for commercial success too. Gartner research found that ‘inclusive’ companies generate cash flows that are 2.3 times higher and are 120% more likely to meet financial targets, according to Oleeo. Therefore, having D&I initiatives that support staff is crucial.
D&I initiatives
One firm that has prioritised D&I is the drinks firm Diageo. When it comes to the D&I initiatives that the firm has implemented, Ira Read, Global Inclusion & Diversity Manager at Diageo told HR Grapevine that the organisation is committed to bringing balance to the lives of staff members, “through progressive and gender-balanced policies such as our global parental leave policy”. Last year, she explained that the company began to roll out a parental leave policy offering female staff in all markets a minimum of 26 weeks full paid maternity leave.
