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3.2 Shortages and challenges to be addressed regarding diversity and inclusion actions in
workplaces

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace: a challenge that still needs to be addressed

Nowadays, companies are still struggling with diversity. According to a PWC survey (2019) answered by
1
379 companies in 18 countries and across 25 different industries, although diversity and inclusion are
considered as priorities for 76% of respondents, 39% of respondents still feel that diversity is a barrier for
employees’ progression. More importantly, only 3% of programs of diversity and inclusion put into place
by surveyed companies achieve a considerable degree of maturity. There is also an unsuitable internal
organisation of diversity and inclusion initiatives leadership. 24% of companies don’t have an inclusion and
diversity leader, 31% only report to senior executives and only 17% have a diversity and inclusion leader
reporting to the whole team. More than half companies (61%) use diversity and inclusion to attract and
recruit new talent but only 20% of companies connect diversity to their business performance.

Training can also be improved. 39% of employees declare receiving training on how to overcome
unconscious bias, 31% on non-discrimination regulation and compliance and only 20% receive training on
how to manage a diverse population. Companies need to better leverage data on diversity & inclusion. If
52% of companies process data on employees demographics, only 27% measure discrepancies in
compensation and only 18% measure discrepancies in promotion.
There is also a gap between employees needs and perceptions and companies putting into place effective
policies. According to a BCG survey (2017), with over 1680 respondents, 58% consider participative
2
leadership as a prerequisite but only 36% of companies apply it. 46% consider frequent communication
and openness to new ideas as a prerequisite but only 35% of companies apply it. 43% consider fair
employment practices as a prerequisite but only 38% of companies apply it.

1 https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/people-organisation/global-diversity-and-inclusion-survey/european-report.pdf
2 https://www.bcg.com/en-us/publications/2018/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation.aspx