4 benefits of a diversified team

May 16, 2022

Times when all that employees wanted was a salary and working hours between 8 am and 4 pm are long gone. Now people expect much more – the possibility to express themselves in the work environment, professional growth and having a real impact on the company’s development. One of the factors influencing these aspects is diversity. It is by no means an empty slogan, but a feature that has a real impact on the workplace. Increasing the efficiency or level of employee satisfaction is just one of the many tangible benefits of pursuing a policy based on heterogeneity and inclusion by companies. Learn about these and other benefits of diversity in the workplace below.

Innovation

The undeniable fact is that different people have different ideas. In a homogeneous environment, the chances of any interesting ideas are relatively small. Why? The answer is simple – if we gather people with similar views or origins, it can be said with high probability that they will think in a similar, and sometimes even identical, way. The situation is completely different in the case of a diverse environment. Culture, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic factors – all these aspects carry a baggage of certain experiences. Used in an appropriate way, it can bring a number of benefits, and one of them is innovation. Different people mean different ideas which turns into, for example, increased company income.

Increased productivity

In a homogeneous environment, there is often an unwritten “don’t lean out” rule. Employees try to stay close to the group, everyone works in the same way, and deviations from the norm may even meet with unfavorable views from colleagues at work. Thus, the employee does not develop in any way, and this has a direct impact on both his well-being and the quality of his work. This problem does not occur in a heterogeneous environment. In a situation where everyone is different, presents different values ​​and approaches to many issues, new ideas are welcome. Employees will feel much better seeing that they can be themselves, regardless of their values. This, of course, will lead to increased comfort and thus improved work quality and increased productivity.

Wider talent pool

One might think that in a homogeneous environment there are also people specialized in a certain field and predisposed to perform a specific activity. Such a person is absolutely right. It is worth noting, however, that along with a diverse work environment, there is a diverse past, upbringing, education, etc. For example – certain nationalities may be distanced when it comes to contact with a stranger. However, there are those who usually love to meet new people, which allows for, for example, easier acquisition of new customers. Each culture brings a certain set of skills or behaviors specific to it. Highlighting them and extracting the best parts has a real impact on the business as well as on the working atmosphere.

Increased profits

In 2015, McKinsey conducted a study on the impact of workplace diversity on company profits. The conclusions from it speak for itself – companies that paid attention to employing people of various ethnic or gender origins increased their income by up to 35% compared to the average for a given business. The diversified Management Board also had a positive effect on the company’s income. The conclusion is simple – diversity just pays off.

The above-mentioned benefits are just one of many. Diversity also affects the overall image of a  company – more potential employees will apply to an employer open to otherness. Increased creativity, faster problem solving, significant reduction of employee turnover … The list can go on and on which proves how important, and at the same time beneficial, it is to focus on diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. If diversity and inclusion, as well as the benefits arising therefrom, are close to you we encourage you to join the great initiative which is called the Diversity Charter.

Articles has been created as a part of our actions during the EU Diversity Month. VGD is the Signatory of Diversity Charter.

Author: Patryk Orszulak

Tags diversified team, diversity charter, karta różnorodności, zdywersyfikowany zespół