In today's rapidly changing work environment, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are more crucial than ever. While many organisations understand the importance of building a diverse team, without an inclusive culture, they miss out on the true benefits that diversity can bring.
The 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) provides a compelling snapshot of the current state of inclusion in Australian workplaces post-pandemic and highlights why inclusion must be a top priority.
Diversity initiatives often stop at hiring, but that’s only half the battle. Without an inclusive culture, diverse teams struggle to thrive, much like a high-performance sports car left in the garage. The DCA’s latest report shows that failing to build an inclusive environment can lead to significant challenges, including disengagement, lower morale, and a rise in workplace discrimination.
The DCA’s report reveals some troubling trends in post-pandemic workplaces. Despite a temporary decline in workplace exclusion during the pandemic, these issues have sharply increased in recent years. The data shows:
These statistics underscore the growing disconnect and exclusion that many employees feel in the post-pandemic workplace.
In contrast to these concerning trends, organisations that actively focus on D&I are experiencing more positive outcomes. The DCA report highlights that employees in D&I-active organisations are:
These findings make it clear that inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity.
Including diverse employees in decision-making at all levels dramatically increases the likelihood of better business decisions. Again, there is little point in building a diverse team if you fail to put their richness of experience, background and perspectives to the best-possible use.
Creating an inclusive culture where employees feel heard, valued, and comfortable being their authentic selves is essential for driving engagement, productivity, and innovation. Inclusive leadership fosters a sense of belonging, enabling diverse perspectives to contribute to better decision-making and business outcomes.
The DCA’s report underscores the importance of taking concrete steps to build an inclusive workplace, especially in the post-pandemic world. Organisations that prioritise diversity and inclusion are better positioned to navigate challenges, unlock their teams' full potential, and achieve long-term success.
Accenture’s “Inclusion Starts With I” video is a thought-provoking discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive work environment, and a great place to start in recognising your own biases and creating a D&I culture. Watch the video here.
So – don’t make the mistake of letting your high-powered sports car (your diverse team) sit idling in the garage. Unlock the power of diversity through a genuinely inclusive culture, put the pedal to the metal and watch the benefits flow.