You’ve likely heard the term “Diversity and Inclusion” a lot lately – but what does it really mean and why does it matter? In short, it matters because it matters to PEOPLE. When you accept and celebrate diversity in the workplace, you’re tearing down barriers and allowing people to be who they are – when people can be who they are, they become empowered.
What is Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace REALLY mean?
By its definition, diversity is “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.”- Inclusion is “the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups.” (Source: Oxford Languages)
Diversity and inclusion at work empowers everyone to perform at their best. Each employee brings their own unique perspective, story, talents, and way of life to the office, when they are able to live their authentic selves while in the workplace, great things can happen.
Why Diversity and Inclusion are important
According to greatplacetowork.com, when workplaces have a diverse and inclusive workplace, their business is more likely to have:
- Higher revenue growth
- Greater readiness to innovate
- Increased ability to recruit a diverse talent pool
- 5.4 times higher employee retention
When employees have the opportunity to work in an environment free of bullying or harassment, it benefits everyone. Employees are able to bring their unique abilities and ideas forward without fear of it negatively impacting their work-life. Employers are able to retain their workers, and the workplace becomes an inclusive safe space for ideas to be shared and executed.
How to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace starts with making employees feel like they belong. Another very important factor to diversity and inclusion is ensuring that all employees have the same opportunities and benefits awarded to them.
A few ways to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace are:
- Promoting pay equity regardless of gender, race, religion, etc.
- Acknowledging cultural holidays and allowing employees to celebrate them
- Facilitating open and honest feedback without consequences
- Being aware of unconscious bias
As the old saying goes, “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” Whether you’re an employee or employer, each and every one of us can all do our part to provide an inclusive and diverse workplace and foster an open and accepting environment. At Cayuga Mutual, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that supports an inclusive and diverse workplace – when our employees can be their best selves, so can we. If you are interested in a career with Cayuga, please continue to check out our current opportunities page for Cayuga Mutual employment opportunities.
