According to a recent study, cognitive diversity can boost team creativity by 20%. That said, organisations must also be aware of the challenges within diverse teams.

Over the last few years, organisations have seen tremendous changes in the way they operate, across business models, digital revolutions, and hiring agendas. To this extent, diversity, equity, and inclusion have become hot topics in today's boardrooms. More and more businesses are realising that a diverse and inclusive workforce produces greater results because employees are happier and more at ease in their workplace. According to research, firms with women board members outperform those with exclusively male board members financially.

When the pandemic struck and organisations adopted a hybrid work model, there was an accelerated push for boarding multicultural teams, which resulted in diverse teams. With this, it became critical for various teams to work together effectively and efficiently. According to a recent study, cognitive diversity can boost team creativity by 20%. That said, organisations must also be aware of the challenges within diverse teams. It may vary from cultural misunderstandings and prejudices to communication and integration issues among staff. It is important for the leaders to be cognizant and aware of these challenges to be able to build stronger diverse teams. The goal must be to assemble a varied team that values diversity and uses each member's talents to effectively work. To achieve organisational goals, it is critical to have a plan in place that will assist in the development of a varied and cohesive workforce. Corporates in India Inc. have pledged to follow through on requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of ways, including:

Organizing seminars to raise awareness

Constant training and creating awareness are among the most important parts of constructing any policy around diversity. It not only targets conscious and unconscious biases, but also prejudices against disadvantaged groups, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity for progress. For a greater effect, HR executives may play a crucial role in facilitating these talks through creative interventions.

Diversity initiatives spearheaded by leaders

Leaders and their behaviours help set the standard and drive change in any organisation. This is especially true when adopting diversity-related policies and initiatives. Leaders that live the talk and lead by example to model inclusive behaviour are critical to employee satisfaction and perceptions of equal opportunity. Encourage executives to establish and enhance both personal and company narratives, as well as demonstrate commitment via visible participation and action. Employees would be able to relate to these transition tales.

Ensure that there is a wide range of diversity

We have a tendency to think of diversity as only gender. Many diversity discussions focus solely on gender or cultural differences. Thought, personality, handicap, language, sexual orientation, and age are sometimes overlooked as essential characteristics of diversity. It is critical to examine all facets of diversity while developing diversity strategies. Organisations must ensure that they have a clear vision for diversity in the workplace. Above all, develop a

more inclusive workplace by adopting a zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination and constructing a favourable and easily accessible workplace for all underrepresented populations.

Putting mental health first

Mental health is an important element to address in the workplace, especially among different populations. Interactive and educational seminars, access to experts, mentors, and a platform via which workers may reach out to an expert anonymously benefit both organisations and employees.

It's encouraging to see India Inc. make significant progress in embracing and nurturing diversity. In the grand scheme of things, creating a truly diverse and inclusive work culture, especially in a nation like India, may be difficult. What is motivating, though, is the governments’, organisations', and leaders' ongoing efforts to question the existing status quo. Together, we can not only provide specific benefits to employees but also build support mechanisms that ensure a level playing field by enacting favourable diversity policies.

(The views expressed in the authored above have been penned down by Protima Achaya, India HR Head & Head APAC Talent Acquisition, NetApp solely for BW People publication)