Diversity in organisations equates to a substantial boost in productivity, according to a new report released by Deloitte.

 

The report found that employees who believe their organisations are committed to diversity in the workplace are 80 per cent more likely to believe they work in a high performing organisation than one with low inclusion and low diversity.

  

“Recently Australian organisations have given a lot of attention to diversity.  That’s great – but this research shows it’s only half the story. If organisations want to lift levels of innovation, collaboration or customer services, the consistent view of 1,550 employees is that diversity and inclusion is needed,” Deloitte Consulting partner Juliet Bourke said.

 

“Being inclusive and providing flexible working arrangements is not only the law, it's good for business and good for employees. This report should encourage businesses to invest in diversity to optimise the benefits.”

 

The research also examined how the behaviours of senior leaders and managers influence employees’ perceptions about whether an organisation is authentically committed to, values and supports diversity, and whether they feel included