The design principle “Use and Value Diversity” reminds us to think outside of our own comfort zone, and look for variation in people, products, ideas and processes. Just as variation in the natural world is critical for survival, especially in extreme conditions, intentionally developing variety and diversity in your business or organisation can strengthen the structure, function and results.
Here are 5 ways that diversity can benefit your business or organisation:
- Inclusive Recruitment and Talent Management: Adopting inclusive hiring practices and promoting diversity in the workplace can result in a broader range of perspectives, creative problem-solving, and increased productivity. This involves focusing on a diverse talent pool, embracing different approaches, and fostering an inclusive work environment. The alternative creates a risk of hiring people who have similar ideas and values to ourselves, which may feel more comfortable initially, but can result in an insular worldview, and a lack of creative possibilities.
- Diverse Supply Chain: Encourage diversity in the supply chain by working with suppliers from various backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented or minority groups. Not only does this promote fair opportunities in the market, support social equity, and broaden the organization’s access to innovative products and services, developing multiple suppliers can ensure supply even if there is an issue such as production or delivery holdups, or changes to government policy.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, and community members. This helps you gather insights from various perspectives, which can optimize decision-making and ensure that all voices are heard. Your existing network of employees or customers may hold the solutions to a problem, or lead to the development of an exciting new product or solution.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment/Social/Governance (ESG) Initiatives: Embrace CSR and ESG activities that address social, economic, governance and environmental concerns locally and globally. Partnering with community organisations or not-for-profits can lead to mutual benefits and improved sustainability outcomes. Prioritise diversity and inclusion in CSR initiatives to foster a sense of belonging within the organization and the wider community. Not only does this strengthen your business or organisation internally, but your customers are also increasingly looking for organisations that promote positive impact values.
- Transparent Governance and Reporting: Once a policy and practice of valuing diversity is embraced, then the next step is to implement transparent governance structures and report on diversity and inclusion, as well as other relevant factors such as gender pay gaps and environmental performance. Transparency and accountability can help to build trust among stakeholders and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization, which can be a unique selling point to promote to your customers.
Interested in learning how design thinking could benefit your organisation? See www.realearthsolutions.com/training for more information.