Diverse Workplaces: Leading the Way
According to 2023 PEW Research, most U.S. employees value organizations that support and cultivate workplace diversity, equity and inclusion. Importantly, workplaces where diversity is ingrained in the corporate DNA are often today’s industry leaders.
“Organizations must do more than recruit diverse employees,” says Shannon Sandifer, MPH, CHES®, Cone Health’s well-being manager. “They must also intentionally create a culture that promotes and values inclusion and belonging at all levels of the organization. It is an important part of well-being.”
A diverse workforce can improve business performance.
Recent research from McKinsey Consulting finds that organizations with ethnic, cultural and gender diversity are more likely to do better than their peers financially. Successful organizations foster a fair and open-minded environment where people are genuinely valued for their views and contributions.
Inclusion sparks innovation.
While many firms focus on driving innovation through experts, consultants or technological advances, researchers have found that diverse workplaces that empower, engage and value employees with different perspectives are more inventive. When organizations seek contributions from people across generations, backgrounds, cultures, genders and more in a safe and supportive environment, they benefit from original thinking, better decision-making and fewer misfires.
Diversity increases diversity.
Not only do diverse organizations retain five times more employees on average, but they attract more applicants from all walks of life as well. In addition, research conducted by Great Place to Work® found that at these successful organizations, employees were much more likely to enjoy their work and put in their best effort.
“It is essential we consider how to best support employee success,” adds Sandifer. “By understanding and meeting our employee’s needs, like providing resources to support well-being, professional development opportunities, flexible schedules or floating holidays, we can create a culture of caring that speaks to what people value.”
To learn more about Cone Health Employee Health and Wellness offerings, call Jacqueline Heyward at (336) 832-7315.
