Powering diversity, equity, inclusion (DE&I) through technology

In a volatile world full of ambiguity, businesses face critical and disruptive challenges due to a range of issues such as technological advancement, environmental change, demographic change, etc. All these have the potential to put a spanner in the wheels of the organisation’s growth. While there are seismic shifts in the workplace, senior leadership has to consistently work towards building resilience for the future. To achieve this, across the world, people are using more technology and using it more often to drive innovation and efficiency.

While technology, business, and efficiency matter, to succeed in business one must not lose sight of the most important aspect ‘people’. Today, DE&I is an important focus across all industries and has become the cornerstone of the HR strategy—building a resilient, open, and safe workplace. The business case of DE&I has become stronger than ever. Studies have revealed that implementing robust DE&I practises, has the potential to increase creativity and productivity while improving business performance. In times of moonlight and the Great Resignation, fostering a workplace that celebrates and supports people is the foundational element for companies to retain great people and attract new ones. Leaders must ask themselves: What is the emotion attached to your employer brand? Does your company invigorate a sense of belongingness?

According to a recent Boston Consulting Group report titled ‘Inclusion Isn’t Just Nice, It’s Necessary’, there is a considerable discrepancy in employee experiences in India, comparable to other nations, depending on whether senior executives are dedicated to DE&I. Given the prevailing conditions, it has become imperative to integrate technology to enhance DE&I at the workplace and nurture a winning culture.

Breaking unconscious biases and enhancing diverse talent pool

Recruiting a more diverse workforce is a primary focal point for organisations. However, the recruitment process is most often a time-consuming activity and results in unconscious bias owing to the layered human interventions. This becomes a big impediment and may lead to a distant, disengaged, and an inequal workforce. As every organisation is affected by unconscious biases, it becomes imperative for organisations to integrate technology to break unconscious biases and enhance diversity. Backed by data and analytics, the new generation of AI & ML technologies can be programmed to dismiss conventional biases and avoid patterns that enhance underrepresentation. Predictive Analytics can be used to strengthen objective appraisal and talent review systems, along with recruitment and retention. To realise the full potential of human diversity, organisations need to hire diverse talent and create an inclusive working culture underpinned by a fundamental sense of belonging.

Technology enabling ERGs to create a truly diverse and inclusive workplace

ERGs play an important role in supporting DE&I strategies. This can be the organisation’s elixir for creating a truly diverse and inclusive workplace. A formalised and structured ERG can break the hierarchical blockades and build a collaborative culture emboldened by formidable relationship between individuals and senior management. There is an immense opportunity in bolstering ERGs to become the engine for growth, as they can be a powerful tool for employees to bond with colleagues having a similar experience (at work and in life) and to feel supported and included in your organisation. ERGs also act as a vehicle for collaboration and positive change. This sheer experience creates a sense of belonging among the groups. Supporting and managing the ERGs well, can make a huge difference and become an enabler for the overall success of the organisation. In addition, they also serve as an important partner for business functions and teams, providing valuable perspectives.

Technology can have a major impact on DE&I in organisations. The integration of new technology into diversity and inclusion practises brings significant benefits to both businesses and employees, improving work environments and creating a confident workforce regardless of their identity.