The benefits of diverse and inclusive workplaces

Everyone deserves to work in an environment free from discrimination, where they are safe and respected. A workplace where they are supported to be the best version of themselves.

When leaders commit to and invest in creating diverse, respectful and inclusive workplaces, they see dividends in their culture.

What does it mean to have a diverse workplace? 

Diverse workplaces go beyond simply having employees from a variety of different backgrounds or walks of life.

A truly diverse and inclusive workplace represents our broader society, harnessing talent, commitment and values from different parts of the community.

What do diverse and inclusive workplaces look like?

A diverse and inclusive workplace is one where people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute. It goes beyond simply hiring employees from different demographics – it's about creating a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels safe to express themselves.

Diverse workplaces represent our broader society and harness talent, commitment and values from different parts of the community. Inclusion means actively removing barriers to participation and ensuring that every employee has a voice.

What does intersectionality mean for workplaces?

Intersectionality is a framework that can help us understand how various aspects of individual identity interact to create unique experiences of privilege or oppression.

Another way to look at it is: Who has a seat at the table? What do you need to do to have opportunities in your workplace?

What are the barriers that you need to overcome, and why is it that you need to overcome them?

For example, an older women who has a disability would have a very different experience in the workforce compared to a young trans man. They would have different journeys towards getting a seat at the table. This has nothing to do with the individuals themselves, but is due to their unique experiences of oppression.

Intersectionality explores structural discrimination, whether it’s:

• gender inequality

• racial discrimination

• ableism

• homophobia

• transphobia

• the ongoing impacts of colonisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It looks at how those forms of discrimination impact individuals, families and communities, and the barriers people may face as a result.

For workplaces, an intersectional approach means that leaders and businesses remove those barriers, so that their employees don’t have to. It can include reviewing the policies and structures of your business and asking 'Who is not represented by this?'

It’s about making sure that all your employees have a clear pathway to having a seat at the table.

In short, intersectionality in the workplace refers to how overlapping social identities can create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege at work. Taking an intersectional approach helps leaders identify and address structural barriers that may prevent certain employees from equal opportunities. This approach will allow you to create inclusive strategies that are more likely to benefit everyone in your team, especially those from marginalised groups. 

Diverse workplaces benefit your business 

As a leader, your role is to ensure that everyone in your business has the opportunity to perform at their best.

By taking an intersectional approach and prioritsing diversity, you’re setting your team up to be innovative, efficient and thrive.

In a diverse workplace, teams can apply a different 'lens' to the work they do – for example, a gender or disability lens. These perspectives can lead to new ideas and fresh approaches, which will help your business stand out.

5 benefits of diverse teams

There are many benefits to having diverse and inclusive teams in your workplace.

The Diversity Council Australia (DCA) undertakes a national study tracking the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce every 2 years – and the results speak for themselves.

1. Talent attraction and retention 

By creating an inclusive and safe work environment, you will be able to attract top talent and encourage employee loyalty. 

According to the DCA’s Inclusion@Work Index 2023-2024 , workers in inclusive teams are:

• 8 times more likely to be very satisfied than workers in non-inclusive teams

• 3 times less likely to leave their organisation.

2. Legal and financial benefits 

By fostering a culture of respect and equality, businesses can reduce the risk of legal liabilities and associated financial costs.

Under Fair Work, employees are protected from discrimination due to attributes including:

• race

• sexual orientation

• gender identity

• age

• disability

• religion.

According to the Inclusion@Work Index, employees in inclusive organisations are four times less likely to experience discrimination or harassment compared to those in non-inclusive organisations.

3. Customer loyalty 

Businesses that promote equality and respect can forge deeper connections with customers, leading to increased loyalty and long-term partnerships.  

According to the Inclusion@Work Index, inclusive teams are 4 times more likely to provide excellent customer service.

This shows that by prioritising diversity in your teams, you’re also prioritising the customer experience and potentially reaching new customers in the process.

4. Productivity and wellbeing 

Safe and equitable workplaces are more productive. Employees who feel secure and respected are more engaged, motivated, and innovative. 

The data backs this up. According to the Inclusion@Work Index, inclusive teams are:

• 9.5 times more likely to be innovative than non-inclusive teams

• 8.5 times more likely to work together effectively

• 2.5 times more likely to have members willing work extra hard to help their team succeed.

5. Positive impact on your industry and community 

As a business leader, you have a platform and resources that can be leveraged to effect positive social change.

Monday to Friday, the average Australian spends about 50% of their waking hours at work. For many, that’s more time spent with their colleagues than with family or friends.

Which is why it’s no surprise our workplaces have the power to significantly shape our attitudes, beliefs and relationships.

It’s why workplaces are in a unique position to take action against discrimination and build a more inclusive community.

When organisations use their influence to promote equality, challenge stereotypes and create a culture of respect, it can have a lasting impact, long after your team clock off for the day.

When respectful attitudes leave the workplace, they create positive change at home, with friends and family, and the wider community, promoting and more inclusive society for everyone.

How the Our Watch Institute can help you build more diverse workplaces 

We go beyond training, partnering with business leaders to understand the evidence and provide tailored solutions for their workplace.  

We offer: 

• one-on-one coaching 

• executive team or all staff training 

• policy reviews 

• organisational pulse checks 

• gender equality action plans 

• implementation support 

• internal and external communications support.

Reach out today by emailing us or use the form at the bottom of the page to discuss your needs.