If organisations are to fulfil their corporate social responsibility objectives, gain customer and staff loyalty, and promote sustainable leadership, then environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals must be integrated within the wider diversity and inclusion agenda.
Research by DARE Worldwide and YouGov found that businesses must focus on inclusivity to inform their ESG aspirations in 2022. “The decade ahead will be shaped by inclusive organisations prioritising purpose, connection and collaboration. Diversity is a business imperative delivering stronger internal organisational performance,” stated Rita Trehan, CEO of DARE Worldwide. “We need a holistic approach to ESG with inclusivity embedded within a company. The greener organisations that demonstrate homogeneity in all aspects of the workplace and their dealings are the ones winning loyalty from customers and employers. Rather than looking at ESG policies in isolation, the challenge for 2022 is to look at ESG with a wider lens; incorporating inclusivity at every stage.”
The White Paper used DARE’s Inclusivity Index diagnostic tool to measures gaps in organisational performance and track progress towards more inclusive outcomes as businesses aim to make their companies more resilient and efficient.
GOOD LEADERSHIP, CULTURE & PURPOSE
The report findings showed that employees understand the drivers of good leadership, culture and purpose include flexible work structures that adapt to organisational requirements and individual needs. “Flatter hierarchies and open communication will be vital as businesses make sense of the complex and evolving needs of their staff,” added Trehan.
The Dare study and Inclusivity Index revealed gaps between leadership intentions and the employee experience; and provides recommendations on how to close the ‘purpose gap’ within organisations, advocating clear communications and accountability within organisations. It also demonstrates the under-explored relationship between inclusivity and expediency in business. The White Paper found that organisations which focus on expediency isolate their workforce and disconnect them from their company values.
Long-term organisational success depends on trust, collaboration and engagement among employees, confirmed the research. Yet, according to the study:
- 85% of performance indicators, chosen by management, are not linked to long-term success by employees.
- 65% of employees do not think employers were successfully implementing their organisation’s purpose.
- Leaders are 50% more likely than their wider team to believe employees share their business identity.
The largest US companies are disclosing ESG and diversity and inclusion policies at historically high levels. Click here to read more.
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