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Diversity and inclusion

Fiona Cuming

Editor's message: Employers must ensure that their organisation is not only welcoming and inclusive but that their workforce fully reflects society.

Having a diverse and inclusive workplace is important not only ethically but also for improving employee morale, boosting innovation and enhancing business success. While the current economic climate is creating many employment challenges, employers must remain committed to achieving diversity and inclusion.

“Diversity” and “inclusion” are mentioned in the same breath as both steps are necessary. Attracting and recruiting a diverse workforce is only the first half of the equation; the second, is to create a fully inclusive work culture where different perspectives and experiences are valued, diversity of thought is encouraged, and there is fairness and equality of opportunity for all.

It is not enough for employers to express their commitment to diversity and inclusion in their mission statements and policies. Employers must ensure that the concept is embedded in their organisations and that their equality, diversity and inclusion policies are implemented fully and reviewed regularly.

Fiona Cuming, senior employment law editor

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