Why businesses need to create more inclusive workforces - for their own sake
Why businesses need to create more inclusive workforces - for their own sake
This week is National Inclusion week, which is created and run by Inclusive Employers as an annual opportunity to raise awareness of inclusion in the workplace. To mark the occasion, Sarah Kaiser from Fujitsu (Diversity & Inclusion Lead) and Anne Sheehan from Vodafone UK (Enterprise Director) offer their thoughts on the importance of creating a more diverse workplace, especially at a time when many companies are suffering from skills shortages.
“A shortage of people working in digital and tech jobs has the potential to derail our journey towards a prosperous digital future. This shortage is partly due to a lack of awareness of the opportunities that exist, and the inaccurate perception that some groups, such as women or LGBT+ individuals, do not belong in the tech sector. We need to recognise that old-fashioned biases are still built into too many organisations and jobs.
“If we are to benefit from a diverse talent pool, organisations need to consciously create inclusive organisations where everyone can succeed. One way to deliver this is through the introduction of inclusion networks – for example, for women or those with disabilities – focused on enhancing the capacity of their employees so they can achieve their full potential and deliver what matters most.
“As it gives all employees a platform to feel included, networks are a vital way to ensure that specific people throughout the business receive the proper support and advice they need. In order to realise this, it is the responsibility of the senior team to take the lead by championing people within their organisation, as well as encouraging other senior people within these networks to act as mentors and role models.
“It is only by engaging a diverse array of people in tech that we can hope to protect the future competitiveness of the UK economy. And from enhancing agility to innovation and customer relationships, fostering a culture of inclusion is crucial for improving business performance, continued growth and success.”
Sarah Kaiser, Employee Experience, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Fujitsu EMEIA
“At Vodafone, we believe that a diverse, inclusive workplace creates game changing strength for any organisation; and we want to lead by example. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made; but there’s more work to be done. Issues like the under-representation of women in tech - and the challenge of finding suitable roles when looking to return to work after a career break - need to be addressed.
“The Vodafone ReConnect programme brings talented women and men back into the workplace after a career break; and the Vodafone LGBT + Friends network champions inclusion and celebrates diversity at work. I am really proud of the work we do. Vodafone is fully committed to building a better future for its employees, customers, partners and the communities it works in.”
Anne Sheehan, Enterprise Director at Vodafone UK
Click on the link for more information on National Inclusion Week
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