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Chapter 3 Diversity and inclusion

in the workplace

Please note that this chapter is linked to the chapter on “CSR and labour standards” of the CSR module.

3.1 Diversity and inclusion in the workplace – an introduction

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a very trendy subject. It directly affects the image, reputation
and even performance of companies. Rankings have been established such as the one done by the Finan-
cial Times. 1

According to the European Commission, in its report “The Business Case for Diversity – Good Practices in
the workplace” (2005) , the most common areas covered by diversity initiatives are organisational factors,
2
recruitment, selection and retention procedures, leadership development and talent management and
employees’ development and promotion.

This study, financed by the European Commission and led by the European Business Test Panel (EBTP) con-
cluded that equality and diversity in the workplace was becoming more and more important for compa-
nies especially in the areas of recruitment, talent retention and corporate image. A second study financed
in 2008 including the ten new countries that joined in 2004, confirmed these conclusions and underlined
main evolutions.

Companies started acknowledging the links between diversity and innovation and therefore its potential
for improving productivity and economic growth:

“The success of European businesses in global markets depends on Europe’s hability to harness its diversity
to create dynamic companies that interact with, and creates products and services for, world consumers”. 3

Historically, the first wave of policies addressing diversity in the workplace focused on anti-discrimination,
gender equality, fighting against racism and sexual harassment and the subtle issue of the unconscious
bias. This wave aimed at improving the workplace environment and eliminating hostility. 4

Nowadays diversity policies aim at improving efficiency, adaptability and resilience in the face of rapid
changes brought by new technologies and globalization.

Diversity in the business and professional sectors is more than gender issues (see chapter 1 of this mod-
ule). It also emcompasses the diversity of socio-economic and educational backgrounds, political stands,
cultures and religions (see chapter 2), sexual orientation and of course disabilities (see chapter 4) and
intergenerational cooperation (see chapter 5).

1 https://www.ft.com/content/bd1b4158-09a7-11ea-bb52-34c8d9dc6d84
2 https://rownosc.info/media/uploads/biblioteka/publikacje/business_case_for_diversity.pdf
3 http://www.iegd.org/pdf/Task 1- EBTP.pdf
4 https://www.bcg.com/en-us/publications/2017/diversity-at-work.aspx