(21 May 2009)

Despite the difficult economic climate employers are seeing the creation of inclusive and diverse workplaces as a business imperative which will help them weather the recession. According to a new report by Opportunity Now, the not for profit organisation which promotes the business benefits of creating workplaces where women can succeed, organisations can see the tangible benefits that diversity brings: 74% of organisations can make a link between their internal diversity initiatives and employee engagement, whilst 40% of employers can demonstrate improved customer satisfaction as a result of their diversity activities. 22% of organisations believe that their diversity initiatives have helped them to increase market share.

Diversity: A Big Issue in the Boardroom

The report is the culmination of in-depth analysis of workplace practices in 77 of the UK's biggest organisations and gives a comprehensive picture of the initiatives and polices which they are using to equality-proof their workplaces. Diversity is still seen as a big issue in the boardroom; in 55% of organisations board level leaders are held directly accountable for delivering gender objectives and are measured on this via their performance review. A massive 96% of employers have a senior level leader who champions the importance of equality and diversity within their organisation. In 19% of organisations it is the Chief Executive which holds this role. Opportunity Now employers are backing up their belief in the power of diversity with resources: 86% of employers say that they are still putting the financial resources in place to help create more diverse workplaces.

Equal Pay

Equal pay has been big news since the announcement of the Single Equality Bill. Reassuringly, the report indicates that employers already have this on their business agenda. 69% already conduct an equal pay audit and importantly 44% provide training on equal pay issues to managers who are involved in pay decisions. 22% of employers are already publishing their pay gap data in the public domain.

Opportunity Now has always positioned workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives as a way of better responding to clients, customers and external stakeholders. It is clear that employers are also seeing this important link. 58% of employers actively consider gender issues as part of their customer management, whilst 48% of employers consult with their customers in the development of their gender strategy.

Sarah Williams-Gardener, Director of Opportunity Now, believes that the business case for creating inclusive and diverse workforces has never been more important. "In essence creating diverse and inclusive workplaces is about engaging with employees and ensuring that they know they matter as individuals. It is about guaranteeing that as an organisation you can tap into the highest calibre of talent, gain fresh perspectives and innovate. And in times of hardship engaging and motivating your employees is key if you want to drive business and ultimately succeed. Our research proves that there is still a very clear business imperative for equality and diversity and that employers are continuing to show commitment and dedication to creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.”

Methodology for Measuring Progress: Meeting Challenges:

The Opportunity Now Benchmarking Survey is the UK’s most extensive survey of gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It combines 110 self-assessed questions with independently scored documentary evidence (which organisations are asked to provide). Question responses and evidence were submitted in December 2008 by 77 organisations.