Businesses in London and the UK need to embrace diversity if they are to prosper in the future, research has shown.
According to the research, 97% recognised diversity practices were beneficial for business and over three quarters said the future success of business lies in having a diverse workforce.
This is due in part to the recognition that hiring an increasingly diverse team could help attract new clients: Nearly 90% said workforce diversity makes financial sense because it increases commercial opportunities with new, diverse customers.
Similar views were reflected when respondents were asked about business in London: 80% agreed businesses in the capital should have a diverse workforce to reflect the city’s diverse population. Some went even further with almost two thirds saying that without a diverse workforce, business in London can’t survive.
This sentiment was echoed by the deputy mayor of London, Richard Barnes. “Any organisation that does not have a diverse work force or a diverse supply chain, or is not working towards having them is committing slow economic suicide.”
“It is simply a matter of good management and any organisation that does not enjoy good management will not survive,” he added.
© Crimson Business Ltd.
