Fostering Innovation Through a Diverse Workforce
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Table of Contents
Key Findings
3
Methodology4
Diversity and Inclusion: A Formula for Success
4
Diversity Is a Key Driver of Innovation
5
A Diverse Workforce Attracts Top Talent
7
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts Are a Given
11
Diversity Goals and Priorities
13
The Buck Stops at the C-Level
15
Progress Has Been Made But Barriers Still Exist
17
Conclusion: A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Is Critical for Success
19
2
Key Findings
• Diversity is a key driver of innovation and is a critical component of being successful on a global scale.
Senior executives are recognizing that a diverse set of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is crucial to innovation and the development of new ideas. When asked about the relationship between diversity and innovation, a majority of respondents agreed that diversity is crucial to encouraging different perspectives and ideas that foster innovation.
• A diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial for companies that want to attract and retain top talent.
Competition for talent is fierce in today’s global economy, so companies need to have plans in place to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce.
• Nearly all respondents reported that their companies have diversity and inclusion strategies in place. However, not all of the plans are identical. About a third said their companies have global strategies that allow for minimal regional deviation, while half said that their organizations have a global plan that also allows for different strategies and programs in order to address regional needs or cultural differences.
• Organization’s diversity goals and priorities won’t change significantly over the next three years. When asked about their company’s current diversity and inclusion priorities, 43% cited retention and development of talent, followed by ensuring diversity in the