A diverse workplace is likely to be more productive and innovative compared to those that are homogenous and rigid. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Target and Wells Fargo have proved that although diversity requires effort, it is achievable; all it takes is a genuine commitment to making the workplace safe and open to all people.
Social and political movements such as #BLM and #MeToo have also led some of these companies to rethink their inclusion policies and pay more attention to issues around workplace culture. Employers that prioritize their team, respect their perspectives and promote a positive work environment surpass their competitors, build trust and earn the loyalty of the public at large. Diversity and Inclusion also result in balance of groups and opinions; more innovation and creativity; increased productivity, large pool of talent and higher revenues.
Representation in brand advertising is quickly becoming a tick-box exercise, and the minority groups being represented are quickly seeing through the façade. A talk given recently by Efrain Ayala on this, went into details of how brands and storytellers are being abstracted by diverse casting as opposed to true portrayal. He pulled some ad examples by Heineken, NHS and others, demonstrating the disconnect or toxicity of the content or messaging towards the target audience, revealing deficient intention of diversity.
It’s 2022. Diversity and Inclusion should go beyond just written or spoken HR policies as employees and consumers are now more interested in actions – how companies pay attention to them and accommodate their peculiarities. More importantly, companies need to show how inclusive they are in their hiring, product & service branding, and communication as the cancel culture has come to stay. Only companies that are truly invested in employee and consumer representation will thrive
Edited by Nnenna Hemeson
