#03/22
THE GLOBAL MAGAZINE FOR GF EMPLOYEES
Insider's View

Diversity is not a program for minorities

A diverse and inclusive workspace is important for the success of a company. Corporate consultant and diversity expert Hans Jablonski discusses how companies can best position themselves.

Why are diversity and inclusion factors that make a contribution to the success of a company?

graphic © Rose Time

Hans Jablonski

Position: Global Senior Consultant and owner of Jablonski Business Diversity, a consultancy firm. One of Germany’s first diversity managers, he co-founded the Charta der Vielfalt (Diversity Charter).

Expert in: Diversity and inclusion. He is a sought-after consultant, keynote speaker, and author of articles and contributions to books.

Hans Jablonski: The business environment is very complex and dynamic, including in terms of the demographics of the labor and sales markets. Increasing interculturality, mixed-age teams, challenges to traditional values and gender roles, and social sustainability are all aspects of this. Accordingly, there are many benefits from diversity management. Diverse talent enriches the talent pool of companies. Mixed workforces are better able to reach a diverse customer base, making them more successful in new markets. Because they understand a diverse customer base better, mixed teams are also more likely to succeed with successful sustainable innovation. Companies that have diverse workforces project a more cosmopolitan image and are more appealing as business partners. And finally, motivation and commitment are increased when everyone can see that their talents are recognized and acknowledged.

At what point can a company credibly state that it is a diverse and inclusive one?

Companies are inclusive when a wide variety of talents feel addressed and are motivated to stay on board. Whether and how this is successful is something that every company must examine for itself.

Traditionally, many of the jobs in technology companies are performed by men. How can a diverse and inclusive workspace be created in such companies?

If a team becomes aware that its composition is rather homogenous, its members should ask themselves whether the work atmosphere and conditions remain attractive to other people. The goal is to enable everyone on the team to contribute 100% of their potential. As teams become more diverse, the original members eventually come to find the diversity enriching. The argument that there are no women in technical professions is no longer a valid one. Companies are motivating a growing number of young women to pick STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects as early as the career choice stage – and the success has been notable. To be an attractive company, it is important to score points with all genders.

What does it take for diversity and inclusion to be practiced in companies with international operations, where people of many ethnicities and social backgrounds come together?

In these companies, it is often their headquarters that dictate the culture and career behavior. Exchange and dialog – for example, through international project teams or intercultural mentoring – have not only brought good insights for everyone involved here, but also better results.

You are white, male and western European. What entitles you to talk about diversity and inclusion?

“Diversity” is not just a program for minorities, but concerns everyone. And every individual needs to be clear about the role they play, what they have in common with others, or what makes them different from others. I support managers from all over the world in successfully leading people who are different from themselves.

Read the other spotlight articles here:

Spotlight | Cover Story

graphic © Ian Teh

Diverse but one GF

We are successful because of our differences. Examples from the world of GF show that when we live diversity and inclusion we can all benefit from the inspiration it provides. Check out our cover story.

Read now

Spotlight | Your View

graphic © private

What does diversity and inclusion mean for you?

Everyone is talking about diversity and inclusion. But what do these words mean in a work context? Four colleagues from different regions share their personal views.

Read now

Spotlight | CEO Corner

graphic © GF PR

Building a diverse GF

CEO Andreas Müller talks about inclusive leadership to build winning teams.

Read now

Spotlight | Infographic

graphic © Pia Bublies

Diversity is a fact, inclusion an act: Why we need both

What benefits do diversity and inclusion bring to companies? And where does GF stand? Let our facts and figures do the talking.

Discover now

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our online magazine.

https://globe.georgfischer.com/en/wp-json/public/posts