Businesses must move beyond superficial diversity initiatives to fully unlock the benefits of an inclusive workforce, according to Perkbox Vivup.
Karl Bennett, wellbeing director at Perkbox Vivup, emphasises that businesses need to go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives, arguing that celebrating individuality is essential.
According to recent research from Perkbox Vivup, 25 per cent of British managers have seen team members becoming more vocal about their needs over the past year. Bennett views this as a positive development, suggesting that managers should embrace these conversations and adapt their management style to support individual team members.
Bennett also highlights the importance of fostering psychological safety across the organization. While managers play a significant role in shaping team culture, broader corporate initiatives are necessary to ensure every employee feels comfortable being themselves at work. For example, vulnerability training can create a safer environment, allowing employees to express themselves openly and without fear.
Additionally, Bennett suggests that businesses should avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to employee support. Instead, they need to provide diverse tools for diverse teams. This can include personalised perks and benefits that allow employees to select rewards tailored to their life stage and personal circumstances.
Businesses that recognise and respond to the diverse needs of their workforce are better positioned to enhance performance, engagement, and long-term success.
These strategies align with McKinsey’s “Diversity Matters Even More” report, released in late 2023, which found that businesses committed to diversity and inclusion consistently outperform their peers. However, the report highlights that addressing the unique needs of diverse teams is essential to fully realise the performance benefits of diversity.
