Introduction:Recently, an advisor suggested that we steer clear of incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into our go-to-market strategy. However, we've decided to lean-in. The growing significance of DEI in the business landscape, particularly in light of its expected growth from $9 billion to $24.4 billion by 2030, underscores its importance not just as a social imperative but as a crucial business strategy.

The Importance of DEI in Today's Business Environment: DEI initiatives have important and profound impacts on the corporate ecosystem. Research by Oriane Georgeac, professor at Yale School of Management and Aneeta Rattan, professor at London Business School, brought to light a crucial aspect of DEI – the need for a sensitive approach. Linking diversity directly to profitability can unintentionally alienate underrepresented groups, suggesting a less cynical approach is necessary.

Expectations Today :The global response to events like the murder of George Floyd and the rise of movements such as Black Lives Matter and Me-Too has been a wakeup call for businesses. These movements have and should drive companies to not only initiate DEI strategies but also to embed them genuinely into their culture. It’s clear that DEI is not just a trend but a response to a societal demand for equity and representation.

It is a Sustainable Business Practice: In these harding economic times cutting back on DEI initiatives (which some research has indicated is happening) can be detrimental in the long run. Diverse and inclusive workplaces have been proven to foster innovation and employee satisfaction, contributing to better business performance. However, these benefits aren’t always immediately visible, which is where afforable tools like Wizer come into play.

Wizer: We have a tool that works. Wizer offers an effective way to integrate DEI seamlessly into daily business operations. It ensures that DEI remains a core aspect of a company’s ethos, aligning with our belief in the value of these initiatives. Wizer's ease of implementation across company divisions makes it an indispensable tool for sustaining DEI, particularly when external pressures might push businesses to deprioritise these efforts.

So:Choosing to focus on DEI as part of our go-to-market strategy is more than a business decision; it's a commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace. Tools like Wizer are not just aiding in this endeavour but are essential in ensuring these values remain at the forefront of our business model.