Gillian Harford
Country Executive, 30% Club
As the global perspective on D&I comes under scrutiny, the importance of an inclusive approach to talent, customers and stakeholders will continue to evolve, driving focus for better business outcomes.
There comes a cyclical point for every business strategy to evolve or die. For diversity and inclusion as a business strategy, the same rules apply. The recent spotlight on D&I initiatives has generated debate. Yet, commitment to respect for employees and removing barriers to progression and contribution remain. How that is achieved provides the opportunity to evolve.
A talent focus
We are fortunate that, in Ireland, our D&I approach has been business-driven by building competitive advantage through diverse talent and the needs of a diverse customer base, rather than as an affirmative action agenda. This has led to an approach rooted in organisation culture, translating across the business agenda, rather than as standalone HR initiatives.
More mature diversity strategies have already begun to move away from one-off initiatives. They instead focus on changing systems to improve access, provide talent opportunities and create better modern workplaces; in effect, achieving diversity as an outcome of good practice rather than as set affirmative quotas.
More mature diversity strategies
have already begun to move
away from one-off initiatives.
Global differences
Differing geopolitical views on diversity are sadly not new, particularly with regard to gender. For many global organisations, the ambition for a company-wide inclusive culture has historically needed to accommodate national and regional restrictions and practices, but that has not involved a diminution in the internal commitment to progress.
Even in Ireland, where we have made significant progress, when 20% of companies still have no women on their executive teams and where 25% of employees believe equity is not a priority for their business, the basic concepts of respect and access will continue to be priorities.
The importance of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day was initially meant to improve working conditions and economic prospects for half the population. The need for better workplaces for all ensures its relevance, driven by global differences, rather than despite them.
For more information go to https://30percentclub.org/chapters/ireland/
