A Unanimous Vote: The Principles of Inclusion Are Here to Stay – Whatever Name They Wear

This article provides a timely, balanced, and evidence-based response to the current backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion. While headlines speculate its potential demise, the data shows otherwise: in a rare showing of alignment, investors, boards, executives, and employees continue to strongly support inclusion as a driver of business performance and workplace wellbeing.

Yet, many inclusion efforts have underperformed – not due to lack of value, but due to lack of clarity, integration, and strategic execution. Inclusion must be treated as a cultural transformation endeavour, not a standalone initiative. Moreover, organizations that adopt a “wait and see” approach until the current headwinds die down risk creating a vacuum where exclusionary behaviors can take root.

That transformation begins with leadership. Drawing from over three million global 360-assessment data points, our latest analysis identifies the inclusive leadership behaviors – “amplifiers” – that most strongly impact employees’ sense of inclusion and team performance. These insights will help organizations and practitioners be more intentional and strategic in their approach to cultivating inclusive workplaces and continue progressing work in this critical area.