Promoting and improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a crucial initiative that many companies are now taking. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity (ED&I) in your employee value proposition (EVP) is a good indication that your company values mental health and the wellbeing of your employees.
Aside from being simply the right thing to do, companies understand the many benefits of a diverse workplace and know that it’s part of improving the employee experience. Below we look at specific benefits of diversity and inclusion and explain some simple things your company can do to improve it.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the difference between diversity and inclusion.
When the term diversity is used, it refers to a work environment that is enriched by the perspectives of its members and is inclusive of their different characteristics. This helps to create a work culture in which everyone feels equally listened to and involved.
Meanwhile, inclusion is all those policies and practices that provide access to opportunities and resources irrespective of sexual orientation, gender, or disability, to mention a few examples. It is about giving equal access to opportunity and getting rid of discrimination.
Having a strategy to boost diversity and inclusiveness not only improves the work environment in your company, but also offers benefits such as:
- Improved customer understanding
- Recruitment from a larger pool of candidates
- Increased productivity in your work teams
- Surpassed revenue expectations
- Enhanced innovation in your teams
- Optimal problem solving
A diverse workforce, in terms of age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientations, gender, gender identity, and national origin brings diverse viewpoints and perspectives to the company.
Three ways diversity improves an organisation
1. Diversity drives innovation and creativity
A diverse team enables employees to learn various perspectives and discuss distinct ideas. Because individuals have different worldviews and perspectives, a diverse team can produce more mature and innovative processes.
2. Improves company reputation and attracts employees
A diverse workplace is generally more inclusive; its company culture is friendlier and therefore can attract more employees with various cultures and backgrounds. Existing employees will also feel accepted and valued in this environment, and be willing to stay with the company. Having an inclusive working atmosphere can also improve a company’s public image, attracting more clients from all over the world.
3. Expands the market
A diverse workforce not only provides a wide range of skills, but also can allow a company access to more resources. For example, employees from different countries may be familiar with different languages and can help the company explore new potential clients, expanding the market as a result.
What strategies can I implement to make my company more diverse and inclusive?
To create an inclusive and diverse workplace, you can implement the following strategies:
Recognise the holidays of each religion and culture
Usually companies recognise the holidays relevant to their country of operation. However, having a collective calendar which includes important dates for employees of different ethnicities and religions in your company will increase their sense of belonging.
Develop a diversity and inclusion training program
This will lay the foundation for how your employees treat each other. It is recommended that this program be part of your onboarding process and that it be extremely specific about the consequences of acts of discrimination or violence.
Promote the creation of an employee resource group
An employee resource group (ERG) is an employee-led group in which workers can participate on a voluntary basis. Their main objective is to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the policies of the company they work for.
These groups usually share specific characteristics with each other such as language, religion, or ethnicity. In this way they can support each other in personal or work-related issues.
Be open to hearing feedback from your employees
Remember that being more diverse and inclusive includes listening to what your employees are looking for from you as a company and how they want to see change happen. Constant feedback helps 85 percent of employees take more initiative within your company, which increases productivity and improves the work environment.
Diversity at CCSL
At CCSL, we take great pride in creating delicious and authentic dishes from around the globe to satisfy the diverse tastes and cultures of our customers. We believe that food is a powerful way to bring people together and we strive to offer a wide variety of options to appeal to all palates.
Whether it’s traditional Italian pasta, spicy Thai curry, or savoury Chinese dumplings, we take great care in using the freshest ingredients and preparing each dish with the utmost attention to detail. Our team of talented Chefs are passionate about creating delicious and satisfying meals that reflect the diverse cultures of our customers.
We are constantly experimenting with new and exciting flavours from around the world, and we look forward to introducing our customers to new and delicious dishes weekly.
We asked one of our Chefs for one of their favourite recipes which they grew up making! It is a traditional Lebanese Tabbouleh recipe which is a vegetarian salad made of fine bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, onions and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It's a very healthy dish that can be a side dish or a main salad for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
- 4 cups of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup chopped fresh mint
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ¼ chopped green onions
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley & mint, for garnish
Method:
- Place the bulgur wheat in a large bowl & cover with cold water. Let soak for 20 minutes.
- Drain the bulgur wheat and squeeze out any excess water.
- In a large bowl, combine the parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, green onions, and lemon juice.
- Add the bulgur wheat to the bowl and mix well.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to mix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, mix in the additional chopped parsley and mint for garnish.
We hope that this blog helps your company shape a diversity and inclusivity program that will benefit you and your employees.
