The six significant benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace

In today's economic, political, and global business landscape, diversity is becoming increasingly important. Inclusion is now a key topic among leaders, and the number of companies that consider themselves outstanding in terms of diversity has risen. Diversity, inclusion, and equity even impact performance, as employees are increasingly vocal about these issues. Inclusion, equity, and integration (also known as DEI — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion — in English) in the workplace are more than just buzzwords. A growing number of employees working for companies that employ people from diverse backgrounds report that they intend to stay and are not looking for another job. Conversely, this naturally also means that these factors influence potential employees' choice of workplace.

What is inclusion and why should companies prioritize it?

Inclusion means that employees with diverse identities feel valued, respected, welcome, included, and represented, and that they can be authentic, contribute to the collective, and have a voice. To achieve this goal, all forms of discrimination must be prevented and eliminated at all levels of the organization.

Inclusion and diversity are interconnected terms, but they are not interchangeable. While diversity is about how the company selects its employees, and inclusion is about how the contributions of diverse employees are valued. If a company hires staff from various social groups (e.g., men, women, baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, Generation Z, various religious beliefs, ethnicities, sexual orientations, etc.), one can say that the company is diverse in this regard. That's all well and good, but the company must also equally value and integrate all perspectives to be inclusive. These aspects must be evident at all levels of the organization. If a company primarily hires women but all its executives are men, it cannot call itself inclusive. Inclusivity means, for example, that a significant number of women must also be represented in leadership positions.

Equity in the workplace is something that results from creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. It goes beyond merely establishing pay equity (equal pay for equal work). Equity also involves providing equal opportunities for training, mentorship programs, and advancement to higher positions within the company.

DEI is a given for numerous organizations and should be a core value for all companies.

Six reasons why companies should support and promote inclusion

1. Fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving

Innovation is inherently risky, but a sense of belonging encourages employees to take risks. Employees who do not feel included remain silent and avoid offering feedback, new ideas, or suggestions. When teams are composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and age groups, each person will contribute to discussions from their own perspective. This positively impacts the company and contributes to its long-term expansion.

Creates an inclusive company culture, where everyone can contribute, feel comfortable, and be proud. Diverse viewpoints allow team members to build on each other's ideas, leading the team to more creative solutions.

2. Increased Productivity

Collaboration and teamwork can boost company productivity. A diverse team has a broader range of experiences and skills. Dedicated employees are committed to their work and provide the highest level of customer service, which is more likely to lead to increased sales. Such a company can outperform competitors more quickly if they do not have a diverse and inclusive corporate culture.

3. Attractive to Potential Employees

When a company commits to diversity and inclusion, a broader pool of applicants is available when searching for new talent. Furthermore, the chance of finding top-tier candidates is much greater. Remote or hybrid work overcomes many barriers; it's a great opportunity for people with disabilities to work from home, or for experts to work for your company from anywhere. More and more companies offer their employees the option, with desk-sharing apps like Flexopus , to choose between working from home and working from the office . Our Stuttgart-based company employs around 30 people from five different countries. This diversity forms the core of the company, and flexibility improves work-life balance. Diversity and inclusion are now desirable qualities when talented individuals seek a new workplace.

4. Reduced Turnover Rates

The costs incurred when replacing an individual with a new team member include recruitment and onboarding expenses. Losses in productivity, customer service errors, and training costs are also associated with employee turnover. When turnover is high, remaining employees tend to be less engaged. As a result, productivity suffers, at least temporarily.

Team members, who feel valued and comfortable at work are more likely to stay with the company. Diversity, equity, and inclusion create a sense of belonging, thereby reducing turnover.

5. Trust Among Employees

Companies that create a work environment where every team member feels safe enough to express their opinions freely and honestly have a clear advantage over the competition. Some of the best ideas are lost or never even voiced if employees don't say what they really think. Trust between employees and management creates a strong bond in the workplace, which is the foundation for healthy and successful relationships. When employees trust management enough to express their opinions honestly and openly, the company benefits from more creative ideas, and collaborators also learn to be tolerant of their colleagues' views.

6. Improved Brand Image

Implementing DEI initiatives in the workplace also contributes to how the brand is perceived outside the company. Strengthening the brand image should not be the primary interest when advocating for more inclusion. Nevertheless, a focus on inclusion will shape the brand identity and show the business community that decision-makers are in tune with the current social climate. Nowadays, job seekers — especially Generation Z —, business contacts, and customers are interested in the values companies uphold and how employees are treated. If the company actively takes steps to develop and improve inclusion, diversity, and equality, the market will take notice.

What is Flexopus doing to be more inclusive?

As mentioned earlier, our team has a diverse, multinational background, which not only enhances the employee experience but also boosts productivity and the decision-making process.

• Accessible Flexopus App: Our team is actively working to improve the accessibility of our application to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that people with disabilities can use our app without difficulty.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: We place great importance on considering the individual needs of each of our team members by offering flexible work arrangements and taking into account individual limitations and circumstances.

• Inclusive Policies: Our company is committed to implementing measures that promote equal opportunities for employees with disabilities, from hiring to promotion and performance evaluation.

• Leading by Example: We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, and diversity, and our leadership team exemplifies inclusive behaviors and attitudes to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Inclusion not only fosters innovation, boosts productivity, reduces turnover, and attracts top talent, but it also strengthens brand image. It is an effective tool for creating a dynamic, healthy, and successful company.