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The business case for managing and valuing equality and diversity in UK businesses has been well established. Professional DiverCity encourage businesses to determine their own individual business case and approach to equality and diversity which is compatible with existing values and supports the achievement of existing organisational priorities.
We have found that most successful strategies are built around a business case which acknowledges the:
Moral case. I
t is clearly the right thing to do and be seen to be doing
Legal case.
The cost o
f discrimination to UK business was £320 million in 2006
Demographic case.
The ability to attract and retain the best of available applicants and have products and services which are compatible with modern buying criteria
Economic Case.
Access to public and large private sector contracts
Diversity is great for business
It provides a wider choice of employees, more creativity and higher standards of performance. More and more recently organisations want to know what companies - as their potential supplier of services - are doing by way of tackling diversity issues. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is ever higher on the business agenda and diversity is a top priority in the global market.
Is it really important to manage and value diversity?
Yes, Your approach to diversity will determine your ability to run a business, to make a profit and to ensure your long-term business health. Do you still need convincing? Here are some good reasons why:
The expectations of clients, customers and graduates are changing
Many organisations, particularly Public Sector organisations now want to know from their supplier of services what they are doing in relation to diversity issues. They want businesses to demonstrate the same level of commitment that they have to by law. This is impacting across the Private Sector. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is being driven up the business agenda and diversity is a high priority to win tendering contracts.
Customers are becoming more sophisticated and selective. If you have a diverse workforce you are better placed to understand their needs. Mirroring customer profiles is a powerful business tool.
Research undertaken across all ethnic groups with local graduates shows that career development, equality and being valued as an individual are the key considerations (other than salary) when choosing an employer.
90% of employers believe that managing and valuing diversity is morally and socially right and good for business. Yet only 17% can demonstrate any commitment in their business objective.
As an employer surely you want to employ the best person for the job. If your recruitment advertising fails to reach or attract a significant proportion of the working population then you can't possibly be sure that you appoint the best person.
In the UK by 2010:
Only 20% of the workforce will be white, male, under 45 without a disability
40% workforce will be aged 45+
Ethnic minorities will make up 25-50% of the workforce in key metropolitan areas
73% of new jobs are predicted to go to women
(Source: Office of National Statistics)
For details on how Professional DiverCity can support you in building your business case contact us on 0121 697 1801
What the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) say
What the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) say
What the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) say
What the Law Society say
What the Commission For Racial Equality (CRE) say
Start planning now to ensure that you sustain the growth and prosperity of your organisation, and the wider business community, by working with Birmingham Professional DiverCity�. Get active sign our pledge.
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