The Unfulfilled Promise: How Inclusion and Diversity Have Dropped the Ball

In the past few years, the corporate world has seen a significant shift towards promoting inclusion and diversity. Companies have been making concerted efforts to create a more diverse workforce, believing that it will lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and improved performance. However, despite these efforts, it seems that the ball has been dropped somewhere along the line and it's time to examine why.

Firstly, it's important to understand that diversity and inclusion are not interchangeable terms. Diversity refers to the representation of different identities and experiences, such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. Inclusion, on the other hand, is about ensuring that these diverse voices are heard, valued, and leveraged for business success.

The problem arises when companies focus solely on diversity, neglecting the inclusion aspect. In most cases, companies seem to prioritize diversity and inclusion, even if it means hiring someone with a bit less experience or a different skill set. This can be beneficial in the long run, as it brings diverse perspectives and can lead to a more inclusive company culture.

Another issue is the lack of genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. Some companies view it as a box-ticking exercise or a PR strategy rather than a business imperative. They may publish diversity statistics and make grand statements about their commitment to inclusion, but their actions do not match their words. This can lead to cynicism and disillusionment among employees, undermining the very goals the company is trying to achieve.

However, it's also important not to overlook skills and experience completely. If a job requires specific skills or a certain level of experience, those factors must be taken into account to ensure that the individual can effectively perform the duties of the role.

The ideal solution may be to aim for a balance, focusing on finding diverse candidates who also possess the necessary skills and experience. This can involve implementing inclusive hiring practices, offering training and development opportunities, and ensuring that job requirements are inclusive and based on the actual needs of the role.

Lastly, there is a lack of accountability and transparency in many companies' diversity and inclusion initiatives. Without clear goals, metrics, and reporting, it's difficult to measure progress and hold leaders accountable. This lack of accountability can lead to complacency and a lack of progress.

This can be a complex issue. While inclusion and diversity are vital in any workplace for fostering creativity, innovation, and understanding, skills and experience are also crucial for certain jobs and roles. It's a matter of balance.