Your Actionable Guide on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

“Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.” – Jesse Jackson (Civil Rights Activist)  

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an imperative part of your SME growth and success. Having EDI measures in place attracts diverse talent and fosters innovation

It also greatly contributes to happiness in the workplace, with 81% of employees in inclusive companies reporting being three times happier in their jobs than those in standard workplaces. 

Priorities have certainly shifted. 80% of employees want to work for companies that value EDI. In a society where money is no longer the sole motivator, wellbeing and diversity are a crucial piece of the puzzle. 

Let’s explore whether you need to review your EDI measures. 

EDI: A business case

“I can tell you, without diversity, creativity remains stagnant.” Edward Enninful (Editor in Chief of British Vogue)  

Diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors and are 60% better at delivering results. 

Employing people from various backgrounds also allows for new perspectives and ideas. Take a moment to think about what other benefits you think an inclusive workplace could bring. 

If you said any of the following, you’re bang on: 

  • Improved reputation: SMEs known for their inclusive culture have a competitive edge and attract more clients, customers and attention 
  • Access to better talent: Inclusive hiring practices tap into underutilised talent, especially in underrepresented groups 
  • Enhanced problem-solving: Diverse teams are great at solving complex problems due to their varied approaches and insights 
  • Improved creativity: Break away from uniform thinking, bringing together your team’s diverse perspectives 
  • Appeal to diverse markets: EDI workforces can cater to the needs of various customer demographics, resonating with a wider audience 

In short, EDI doesn’t just tick the SME HR box–it equips you with the agility needed to thrive in today’s competitive markets. 

Understanding equality, diversion and inclusion 

By now, you should understand the benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. But what does EDI really entail?  

It’s about treating each member of staff fairly and the same. Respecting and celebrating them for their age, race, gender, cultural background, skills, beliefs, sexual orientation, career experiences and more. 

Let’s explore the definitions and functions of them individually. 

  • Equality: Ensuring everyone has the same opportunities and is treated fairly, regardless of personal traits or backgrounds 
  • Diversity: Fostering a culture that values and embraces differences. It’s about bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds to strengthen your team 
  • Inclusivity: Creating an environment where everyone feels safe, accepted and able to bring their authentic selves to work. Encouraging employee voices and collaboration, ensuring that all individuals feel heard and respected 

In short, it means fair hiring, embracing diversity when building your team, celebrating individual strengths and backgrounds and creating a space where everyone can express themselves freely. 

Overcoming challenges  

Implementing your own EDI strategy can be challenging.  

Common barriers for SMEs include limited resources, such as small teams and a limited budget to employ specifically for the role. Recruitment strategies can also be too vague, missing a focus on diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, resistance to change can occur when employees or management are uncertain about the ‘ifs and buts’ surrounding EDI strategies. 

At Tercus HR, we help businesses overcome these challenges by offering tailored support. We assess current practices, review existing policies and gather employee feedback. This informs the creation of EDI frameworks and training that really work for your team. 

Get it? Got it? Good  

We know the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. That’s why we’re here to stress-test your old practices and implement tried and tested ones – supporting you in the best way possible for you.  

Get in touch today to ensure your business is changing with the times.