5/17/22 12:00 AM | Insider [Social Impact 101] The Power of Inclusion: How Fortune 500 Companies Are Building Diverse and Inclusive Teams

In today's global and interconnected world, the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging cannot be overstated. Companies that embrace diversity and foster an inclusive workplace culture are more likely to attract and retain top talent, enhance their brand image, and improve their bottom line. Fortune 500 companies have been leading the charge in building diverse and inclusive teams, and their efforts are paying off in multiple ways.

The first step towards building a diverse and inclusive team is to recognize the value of diversity. Diversity encompasses not only race, ethnicity, and gender but also age, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and cultural differences. It's essential to create an environment that welcomes and celebrates these differences, where everyone feels valued and heard. Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and perform better than homogeneous teams.

Fortune 500 companies are actively recruiting diverse candidates, not only to meet their affirmative action goals but also to tap into a broad range of perspectives and experiences. They are expanding their recruitment channels to reach a wider pool of talent, including minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and diverse professional organizations. Many companies are also using blind hiring practices to eliminate unconscious bias and ensure that candidates are evaluated solely on their skills and qualifications.

Once diverse candidates are hired, it's critical to create an inclusive workplace culture that supports their growth and development. Inclusive companies have a clear set of values and policies that promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunity. They provide training to all employees on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics, including unconscious bias, cultural competency, and allyship. They also offer affinity groups and mentoring programs that allow employees to connect with others who share their background or experiences.

Fortune 500 companies are taking additional steps to ensure that all employees feel valued and included. They are providing accommodations for employees with disabilities, including accessibility tools and workplace modifications. They are also offering flexible work arrangements that allow employees to balance their work and personal responsibilities. Many companies are promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their branding and marketing, highlighting the contributions of their diverse employees and showcasing their commitment to DEI.

The benefits of building a diverse and inclusive team are numerous. A diverse team brings different perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to better problem-solving and innovation. Inclusive teams are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. They also create a more positive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and supported.

Fortune 500 companies that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are seeing real results. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile. Similarly, companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity were 36% more likely to have above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile.

In conclusion, the power of inclusion cannot be ignored. Fortune 500 companies that are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams are not only doing the right thing but also reaping the benefits. By creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported, companies can attract and retain top talent, enhance their brand image, and improve their bottom line. As we continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will become increasingly critical to the success of any organization.

How to harness the power of inclusion and drive employee engagement in social impact

Deed is a workplace giving and volunteering platform that puts people first, because user experience shouldn’t stand between you and doing good. We help CSR and DEIB teams centralize their programming, from emergency fundraisers to fun volunteering events, and engage diverse employee resource groups, with the data and insights they need to drive engagement. Take the next step: