Why is a culture of inclusion so important?

Put simply, inclusion drives performance. In a world that is becoming ever more complex and inter-connected, building an inclusive culture will deliver significant value to your business, your people, your customers, and your communities. In fact, we would say that unless you build an inclusive culture, you will struggle to deliver on your business strategy. That’s how important it is.

Business benefits of an inclusive culture

There are many business benefits to an inclusive culture, and they include:  

• Contributes to customers’ buying decisions (72% of customers and consumers want to know you are inclusive (Singelton Beato McCann)).
• Improves productivity; when your people feel they are valued, heard, and belong, their contribution will be greater.
• Helps you attract and retain the best talent; candidates want to work at companies with inclusive cultures, and they will research your record in this area.
• Fuels innovation, as your people feel comfortable experimenting, challenging the status quo, and diverse views and new ideas are encouraged.
• Drives employee engagement, collaboration, and teamwork; because your people feel that what they do matters, and are connected by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to executing your strategy.
• Fairer reward and recognition; where people are judged based on their expertise and contribution, rather than their connections or visibility.

From ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’

Building an inclusive culture is no longer an option. Your clients, people, and society at large are demanding it of you, just as ours are of us. Whether it’s your prospects asking questions in RFPs, candidates researching you on Glassdoor, or media reporting on issues such as the gender pay gap, inclusion is a fundamental part of doing business in today’s world, and its importance is only growing.

For insights on culture view our selection of case studies, ebooks, reports and white papers or contact us to learn how we can transform your culture.