Maximising your potential: the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace

What does diversity mean?

In simple terms, diversity refers to the presence of differences within a community, group, or organisation. These differences can be seen in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability and more. Quite rightly, neurodiversity is now also highly respected and sought after within organisations.

In the workplace, true diversity means welcoming and respecting and even celebrating any and all differences. It’s about inclusion and recognising that everyone has unique perspectives, experiences and strengths that can contribute to the organisation's success. As Veryna Myers said, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Valuing diversity at Apollo

At Apollo, diversity is one of our core values. We believe that embracing diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture is not only the right thing to do, but it's also great for business. We understand that a diverse workforce brings a variety of outlooks, ideas and approaches that can lead to innovation, problem-solving and improved decision-making. Not only does this mean we’re diverse in our thinking, but it gives us a competitive advantage when attracting and retaining diverse talent too.

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our recruitment practices. Externally, 46% of our placements identify as black, Asian or Latinx and 25% as female, despite working in predominantly male-dominated sectors. We actively seek out candidates from all backgrounds and perspectives, and we partner with clients who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Internally, 65% of our workforce are female and 30% black or Asian. We have a 50:50 male-to-female ratio within our leadership team, but also a 35+ year age range, different forms of neurodiversity and sexual orientation. We believe that our diverse workforce is not only more productive and engaged, but it also helps us to build better relationships with our customers and improves our overall business performance.

The facts about diversity

Want to know why diversity is crucial in your workplace? Look no further than the stats! You probably already know about the links between inclusiveness and employee satisfaction. 81% of employees who believe they work in an inclusive culture are also happy in their jobs – that’s three times more than those who do not feel included. Employee happiness is known to lead to increased productivity, more engagement, and higher retention.

But data also shows that companies that achieve their diversity and inclusion goals perform better than those that don't. Harvard Business Review states that diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets and enter new industries.

Also, a study by McKinsey showed that companies listed as being in the top quartile for gender diversity are 21% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability.

Statistics like these demonstrate that diversity is not just a social responsibility, but also a key driver of business success...and ultimately of career success too. By working for an employer with an inclusive workplace culture, you’re exposed to endless opportunities to learn about other cultures, personalities, experiences, etc. You’re more likely to be part of a high-achieving, winning team that’s encouraged to be creative, innovative, build stronger relationships with colleagues, customers, and clients; not to mention enjoy increased opportunities for career development and progression.

Talent Manager Amy Brislane adds: “I find myself incredibly lucky to work in such a diverse environment here at Apollo Solutions. It’s helped me view life from different perspectives, both professionally and personally, develop new ways of thinking, and be more open-minded when discussing solutions to problems. I am also a massive foodie and have certainly picked up a few good recipes from different cultures along the way.”

How to recognise a diverse company

As revealed above, a diverse workplace can make a huge difference to your career success. So, how do you ensure you’re applying for roles with a company that values diversity as much as you? Here are a few suggestions:

• Online research – Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Check out Glassdoor and other online review sites to hear what employees really think. Also look for diversity initiatives on their website or in industry news.
• Ask people there – Don’t be afraid to be open about a business’ culture. If you have questions about inclusivity, contact hiring managers, HR, or those conducting your interview. Asking about company socials (are they inclusive to working parents, for example, do they also promote non-drinking activities?), committees and flexibility will give you an insight into the company’s true commitment to diversity.
• Check out the team – Look at who’s on their team already – and especially the board. Is there a good mix of diversity?
• Review policies/benefits – A diverse company will likely have inclusive policies and procedures in place. Look out for things like parental leave, work-life balance and flexible working policies and healthcare/mental health support.

Diversity is a crucial element of any successful workplace – not only for the company, but for its employees too. Here at Apollo, we’re committed to creating an inclusive culture that respects and celebrates the unique differences of all our employees. We believe that by embracing diversity, we can build better, more innovative, and successful teams.

Ready to see for yourself? We’re always on the lookout for people who are as passionate as us. And, importantly, who value diversity as much as we do. If you’re interested in furthering your career with Apollo, contact us in complete confidence today.