In this modern era, diversity and inclusion are no longer buzzwords; they are vital components of any successful workplace. As New Zealand continues to diversify, fostering an inclusive environment in organisations is critical for both employers and employees.
At 84 Recruitment, we see first-hand how these efforts not only enhance organisational performance but also create more engaged, innovative, and resilient teams. We caught up with Senior Consultant, Jessica Miller to get her insights on what she has been seeing over the years and more recently within the market.
Why does it matter?
New Zealand, with its rich cultural heritage, is uniquely positioned to benefit from the strengths of a diverse workforce. Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian communities, and immigrants from all over the world contribute to a vibrant talent pool. Fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected leads to higher job satisfaction and retention, especially in a tight labour market.
The 2024 Diversity Works New Zealand Workplace Diversity Survey shows that New Zealand organisations increasingly recognise the importance of diversity, particularly in areas like ethnicity, gender, and disability. However, there’s still work to be done, as many employers are not fully leveraging the benefits of inclusive workplaces. Organisations need to go beyond token gestures, embedding inclusion into the core of their workplace culture to truly reap the benefits. “To have an inclusive organisation is high on many candidates' wish lists for their next employer. Diversity is something to be celebrated and encouraged in business. If you can celebrate and focus on diversity across ethnicities, gender split and LGBTQI+ you’re a leader in your space!”
Benefits for employers
For employers, the benefits of a strong diversity and inclusion strategy extend beyond legal compliance, ethical considerations or it being something that just show’s you’re doing good from the outside. Research consistently shows that companies with genuinely diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and profitable. Here’s why:
Increased innovation and problem-solving: A variety of perspectives leads to creative solutions and new ideas. Diverse teams can tackle problems from multiple angles, resulting in more effective decision-making. Diversity Works mentions that companies with more gender and ethnic diversity are often more likely to outperform their peers.
Wider talent pool: By committing to inclusivity, businesses can attract talent from a broader demographic, including those often underrepresented in traditional hiring processes. By expanding this, it can open doors to unique talent that strengthen the overall workforce.
For employees, working in a diverse and inclusive environment boosts morale, reduces discrimination, and fosters personal and professional growth. Here are some key benefits for employees:
Career growth and development: Diversity efforts, when implemented properly, can look like access to training, development, and leadership opportunities. It allows employees from all backgrounds to see a clear path for advancement, making workplaces more competitive and aspirational, resulting in stronger staff retention.
Here’s what Jess had to say: “Working with your internal teams to foster an inclusive environment and to challenge and remove the barriers that unconscious bias set in place is vital for employee’s growth and development for the future of your organisation.”
For diversity and inclusion efforts to be meaningful, employers must go beyond surface-level strategies. Here are some steps businesses can take to embrace this:
Leadership Accountability: Leaders need to drive the change. According to Diversity Works, one of the critical gaps in New Zealand organisations is the lack of leadership accountability in driving inclusion efforts. Leaders should set measurable D&I goals and integrate these into organisational strategy.
Training and Education: Building empathy and understanding among employees is vital. Workshops and training sessions on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and te ao Māori can help employees at all levels better understand the value of diversity
Inclusive Hiring Practices: Employers should review their hiring processes to remove barriers to entry for underrepresented groups. This might involve blind recruitment, flexible work policies, or proactive efforts to reach diverse candidate pools.
Celebrate and Acknowledge Diversity: Companies should actively celebrate the diverse backgrounds of their employees through initiatives such as cultural awareness days or employee resource groups. This not only boosts morale but also promotes a culture of learning and inclusivity.
“We are truly a powerhouse of a country with our multicultural population and there are so many calendar events across the year to celebrate within those ethnicities, to support and celebrate diversity, along with adding to internal culture. Leading from the top, will pave the path for junior team members to be more authentic and inclusive in their day to day working styles both internally and externally.
As we move look to the future, diversity and inclusion will continue to shape the landscape of New Zealand workplaces. Organisations that embrace these values will attract top talent, increase innovation, and enhance their brand reputation. At 84 Recruitment, we’re committed to helping both employers and candidates navigate this evolving space.
Now is the time for New Zealand businesses to take a stand and commit to building workplaces that reflect the diverse, inclusive society we aspire to be.
If you are keen to grow a diverse team or if you want to find that inclusive organisation for your career, feel free to get in touch with our team. Email info@84recruitment.co.nz or give the team a call on 09 391 8484