The Business Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sustainable business success requires attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent. In the coming years, the most competitive organizations will be the ones that build diverse teams and commit to building cultures where all employees thrive. As the workplace evolves, diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential drivers for building resilient, next-generation workforces.

In this post, we’ll explore how prioritizing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) helps businesses meet the needs of an evolving workforce, deliver superior financial results, and build a high-performance culture. The strategic focus on DEI has far-reaching impacts beyond compliance and goodwill—it’s a competitive edge in a dynamic, global economy.

Supporting the Workforce of Tomorrow

The workforce is evolving, and organizations must evolve with it. Millennials and Generation Z now make up a substantial portion of the workforce, and these generations prioritize values like inclusion, equity, and social responsibility. They seek employers that reflect these values. Deloitte found that 69% of millennial and Gen Z employees are more likely to stay at companies that foster a diverse workforce for over five years. Similarly, Glassdoor research shows that 76% of job seekers consider DEI initiatives "non-negotiable" when evaluating potential employers.

Senior executives should view this as a wake-up call: if your business isn’t prioritizing DEI, you’re missing out on a talent pool that could redefine your company's future. Pew Research found that Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation, emphasizing the importance of aligning corporate values with the expectations of this workforce.

Beyond generational shifts, companies face new challenges such as remote work, global expansion, and multicultural teams. These trends underscore the need for a comprehensive DEI strategy. Inclusivity is no longer just about race or gender; it's about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of age, background, or geographic location.

DEI-driven organizations are better equipped to meet these needs, ensuring that policies, processes, and communication are adapted to this diverse workforce.

Greater Financial Health

One of the most compelling business cases for DEI is its undeniable impact on financial performance. Research consistently shows that companies with more diverse leadership and workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts. For instance, The Wall Street Journal found that the stock prices of companies with higher diversity levels outperformed those of less diverse organizations. Similarly, McKinsey reported that companies in the top quartile for executive gender diversity were 15% more likely to experience above-average profitability than those in the lowest quartile. Furthermore, companies with higher racial and ethnic diversity had a 33% likelihood of outperforming on EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) margin, making a strong case for prioritizing racial and ethnic diversity at all levels of leadership.

Innovation also thrives in diverse environments! The Boston Consulting Group found that companies with above-average diversity generated 19 percent more innovation revenue than those with average diversity. This link between diversity and innovation is crucial in today’s rapidly changing business environment, where the ability to think creatively and adapt quickly can define long-term success.

Achieve a High-Performance Culture

Inclusion is a critical driver of a high-performance culture. When people feel respected, valued, and safe, they perform at their best. A 2017 study by Deloitte found that inclusive workplaces are 8 times more likely to achieve better business outcomes, including higher performance, innovation, and profitability.

An inclusive culture encourages employees to speak up, share their ideas, and collaborate effectively. This environment increases creativity, problem-solving, and faster project execution. Teams that feel psychologically safe—a direct byproduct of inclusion—are more willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, which is critical in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. The Harvard Business Review found that companies with a psychologically safe "speak up" culture are 3.5 times more likely to unlock their full innovative potential.

Inclusion also plays a crucial role in employee retention and well-being. BetterUp’s research revealed that a strong sense of belonging is associated with a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% decrease in turnover risk, and a 75% reduction in sick days. This highlights the direct correlation between inclusion and employee productivity and satisfaction, underscoring the importance of DEI initiatives in shaping a thriving workplace.

In diverse teams, this high level of engagement leads to tangible business benefits. Another Harvard Business Review study showed that diverse teams are 58% more accurate in problem-solving than homogenous groups. This is an essential competitive advantage in a world where business agility and precision are key drivers of success.

Leaders who prioritize equity and inclusion demonstrate a commitment to fairness, which builds trust, loyalty, and engagement within the workforce. This trust is essential for fostering a culture where employees feel empowered to perform at their best.

Furthermore, DEI initiatives often complement leadership development programs. Inclusive leadership values diverse perspectives and is a core competency that separates high-performing leaders from the rest. By investing in leadership development with a DEI focus, companies can build a culture of inclusivity from the top down, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of the business.

As the workforce continues to evolve, companies that embrace DEI will be better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and build sustainable, high-performance organizations.

To remain competitive, now is the time to evaluate your approach to embedding DEI into your business strategy. Are you fostering an inclusive culture? Are you leveraging the full potential of a diverse workforce? By answering these questions and investing in DEI, your company will be well-positioned to achieve long-term success.

If you want to leverage diversity, equity, and inclusion at your workplace for better business results, let’s chat!