Gender diversity stands as a paramount goal for most organisations. As important as preserving an organisation’s reputation, gender diversity holds numerous other tangible benefits that positively impact its financial performance.
Companies that prioritise gender diversity often outperform their competitors and experience increased profitability. Ensuring gender diversity is imperative, extending beyond a concern for the company’s image.
A balanced representation of women at work leads to beneficial outcomes for the organisation. Regardless of gender, excellence is determined by skill and effective management. Thus, respected organisations emphasise fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment that upholds gender equality.Recognising the value of diverse perspectives and approaches is critical for business success.
In an era where diversity and inclusion (D&I) are increasingly recognised as vital components of corporate success, some Nigerian companies have committed to fostering a workplace that reflects these values. The companies’ approach is not merely a response to societal pressures but is grounded in the belief that a diverse workforce enhances innovation and better serves their customer base. Companies like MTN Nigeria, Access Bank, Dangote Group, among others.
According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, about 61 per cent of employees believe their organisations have policies ensuring fairness in hiring and promotions, highlighting the growing importance of D&I initiatives in workplaces across the globe.
Notably, research shows that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25 per cent more likely to outperform their peers financially, underscoring the business case for such initiatives.
Chief human resources officer at MTN Nigeria, Esther Akinnukawe stated, “Our diversity empowers us while inclusion unites us to succeed in a fair and equitable environment.”
Chief human resources officer, MTN Group, Paul Norman emphasised that “a diverse workforce is not just about ticking boxes. It is about bringing together different perspectives and ideas, which is crucial for innovation. At MTN, we believe that diversity drives creativity, and creativity drives success.”
How To Improve Gender Diversity In Workplace
The absence of gender diversity in workplaces has persisted for many years, and it is only recently that efforts to diversify workspaces have gained momentum. Organisations worldwide continue to face challenges in achieving gender equality at work despite the best intentions.
To fully embrace the advantages of a more diverse workforce, organisations should consider implementing the following practices to enhance gender diversity in their workplaces:
Establish A Culture Of Respect And Inclusion.
Actively recruit individuals representing gender diversity (including setting specific quotas if necessary),organise diversity programmes and events,promote awareness and mitigate unconscious bias,formulate policies centered around cultivating a gender-diverse workforce and promote gender diversity across all departments within the organisation.
Overall, to bridge the gender gap, organisations must prioritise equality as a key objective, akin to any other business goal. In order to address inequality, business leaders must foster a culture of open dialogue.
Efforts should also extend to public policy, and companies should outline specific actions they can take to drive meaningful change. It is high time to permanently eradicate the gender gap and unlock the potential that the world has overlooked for centuries.
