Consulting giant Mercer has published the results of a diversity study it conducted throughout the asia Pacific region, finding that concentrated diversity and inclusion strategies are becoming increasingly important in attracting and retaining a strong workforce.

 

“A majority of organizations in Asia Pacific also see their diversity strategies as enabling them to better meet the needs of diverse customers,” says Bianca Stringuini, Human Capital Consultant at Mercer.

 

“In this sense, HR professionals should leverage their diversity and inclusion strategies to be stronger partners to the business and create an employee base that can better serve changing consumer segments.”

 

Mercer’s report found that cultural awareness is a leadership characteristic that organisations in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly looking for as Asian companies globalise. The report also found that talent in the region is becoming more mobile.

 

The report canvassed 355 employers from across 11 Asia Pacific markets. The key findings regarding strategy were:

 

Does your company have a diversity strategy?

  • 19 per cent – Yes, but only for the country where I’m based
  • 25 per cent – Yes, for Asia Pacific
  • 22 per cent – Yes, at the global level but not yet for Asia Pacific
  • 34 per cent – No.

 

The report found that gender was the major focus (74 per cent) of their company’s diversity strategy, while culture placed second (45 per cent), ethnicity in third (40 per cent).

 

Taking a closer look at diversity
Infographic by Mercer Insights