The tech industry has come a long way and has become one of the most influential sectors of our modern world. It has revolutionized the way we work, communicate, and access information. However, despite the immense progress, the tech industry has a significant challenge to overcome: a lack of diversity and inclusion.  
 
Diversity and inclusion can be understood in many ways, but they share the same principle of recognizing and valuing every individual's distinctiveness. In essence, it is about respecting and honouring the differences that make each person unique. Diversity refers to the differences among people, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and cultural background. Inclusion refers to the practices and policies that create a sense of belonging and allow everyone to participate fully and meaningfully in a workplace. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) enable organizations to embrace a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and lifestyles, enhancing the overall company culture.  

Leveraging D&I Through Innovation

When an organization has a diverse workforce, it can lead to happier and healthier employees, increased respect from clients, and access to a wider range of talents and skillsets for managers to utilize, ultimately resulting in the organization thriving. According to a study (HBR, 2018) by Harvard Business Review, companies with greater diversity had a 19% higher revenue from innovation. Diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important for tech companies seeking to stay ahead of the curve. The benefits of a diverse workforce go beyond creating a welcoming environment for all individuals; they extend to the very success and longevity of the organization itself. The evidence in favor of diversity and inclusion is overwhelming. Not only do they promote new ideas, but they also create a more attractive environment for jobseekers. By 2025, the workforce is expected to be dominated by millennials, who highly value diversity. In fact, (IPR, 2017) a 2016 survey reported that 47% of millennials actively seek out diverse workplaces, making diversity a primary concern for organizations looking to attract and retain the best and brightest employees. 

"Embracing diversity and inclusion isn't just the right thing to do, it is also a powerful driver of innovation. When we bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, we create an environment that fosters creativity and sparks new ideas. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, where innovation is key to staying ahead, D&I is not just a nice-to-have, it is a strategic imperative." 

- Sahana Naik, Consulting Director, Propel. 

Embracing Diverse workplaces

Embracing diversity in the workplace has become a crucial imperative for organizations across industries. By recognizing and appreciating the value of differences in backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives among employees, companies can create a more dynamic and innovative workforce. This means actively seeking out and hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from different ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, and sexual orientations. Creating a diverse workforce goes beyond just the hiring process. It also requires companies to create an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone to contribute and participate in decision-making processes, as well as accommodating diverse needs.

Bottom Line

Embracing diversity isn't a one-time action. It involves creating a culture of inclusivity that challenges biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviour. Ongoing training, open communication, and a commitment to equity and justice are necessary to foster such a culture. Prioritizing diversity and inclusivity are crucial for organizations looking to thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape. By embracing diverse workplaces, companies can create more innovative and effective solutions, as well as a more equitable and fulfilling environments for all employees.