Companies still committed to DE&I but more to be done

Companies still committed to DE&I but more to be done

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) unveils a preview of its latest Elevate, The Inclusive Workplace Pledge Report which clearly demonstrates that signatories continue to take action to make their workforce more inclusive but more can be done. 

BITCI, as leaders in sustainability and social inclusion, initiated this Pledge to get companies to proactively measure, disclose and profile their workforce so it mirrors the diversity within society. Already over 60 large companies are signatories with a combined workforce of over 160,000 employees. By signing up to the Pledge, companies are making a collective public commitment to social inclusion.  

The analysis of the data received by the companies show the following trends: 

  • Certain diversity areas are being prioritised and targeted with KPIs over others – increasing female representation at senior levels is the most common KPI among signatories.  
  • 53% of signatories track disability but only 8% have set disability related KPIs. 7% of the Elevate workforce have identified as having a disability and 6% have disclosed they are neurodiverse. 
  • 64% of signatories partnered with employment support organisations to widen their recruitment channels resulting in over 160 hires.  
  • While 16% of the Elevate signatories’ workforce are from ethnic minority groups, there is an over representation at entry level positions resulting in an under-employment of this group given the skills, qualifications and experience they have.  

Linda O’Sullivan, Head of Social Inclusion, BITCI said “Our Elevate Pledge has proven yet again to signatories the importance of gathering data, identifying gaps and taking action to ensure a more diverse workforce is created. Afterall, employment is the single most important factor in moving people out of poverty. Our signatories firmly believe in the value of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) despite the external pressures to dilute such measures which can create more social divisions.” 

Being part of this collective action campaign has helped companies evolve from one-off actions to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, to now pursuing a range of meaningful tangible initiatives. These include: 

  • Employee Resource Groups for different diversity areas. 84% of signatories have at least one. Though to maximise their effectiveness, such Groups should be autonomous, have a clear accountability framework and resources to pursue a programme of work.  
  • 50% of signatories have set DE&I targets around diverse recruitment with common actions including job descriptions using neutral language and only listing necessary requirements / skills. However, only 28% set similar targets for development and progression. 
  • General Diversity Awareness and Unconscious Bias Training are the most popular training topics offered with 80% of signatories offering at least one of these, however, only 46% of signatories offer the training to all colleagues. Training can be an excellent mechanism to instil awareness, confidence and accountability in DE&I, both internally in the workplace but also externally in wider society. 

Tomas Sercovich, BITCI CEO said “The Elevate Pledge was created for companies in 2021 to take tangible steps to reduce the rates of unemployment affecting certain groups e.g. people with disabilities, lone parents, migrant communities etc. It is a vital part to their DE&I strategies. The need to continue with such strategies, allocate resources to it, and challenge stereotypes is stronger than ever. Building inclusive pathways for current staff and attracting talent is good for the individual, staff, business growth and community.” 

Thanks to all members of the BITCI Subgroup on Social Inclusion for their continued oversight and support which is co-chaired by Harry Goddard, CEO Deloitte and Sinead Patton, Chief Financial and Commercial Officer – Ireland and Nordics, Finance Director – Industrial, Water & Energy UK, Veolia. 

Read more about The Elevate Pledge, Actions & Progress here. 

ENDS 

For more information, please contact June Tinsley, Head of Communications on 086 7733221.