The importance of diversity and how to create a diverse workplace

In a recent conversation between Ann Swain, founder and global CEO of APSCo, and Bev White, CEO of Nash Squared, they discussed the pivotal role of diversity in the workplace.  

In the video interview, you can get a glimpse into Nash Squared's commitment to fostering diversity and Bev’s personal agenda to ensure inclusivity in business practices.  

APSCo members can learn more from Bev and Ann by watching the full interview right here. Amongst other things, they also discuss AI in recruitment, the role of diversification and expansion for recruitment agencies, and the importance of people strategy. 

Nash Squared’s approach to diversity 

Nash Squared has taken significant steps to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace.  

Bev explains, “I believe that we should create things that actually have a lasting legacy.” This commitment goes beyond mere compliance to embedding diversity into the company’s ethos.  

Nash Squared's approach includes actively seeking diverse talent, promoting inclusive leadership, and ensuring equal opportunities for growth and development within the company. 

How to build sustainable diversity practices 

In the interview, Bev emphasises the importance of sustainable diversity practices over quick fixes, saying that sustainable diversity involves long-term strategies such as fostering an inclusive culture, implementing unbiased recruitment processes and providing diversity training for employees.  

Research has also shown that companies with diverse workforces are more innovative and perform better financially, highlighting the business case for diversity.  

By creating a workplace in which diverse perspectives are valued, companies can benefit from a broader range of ideas and solutions, driving innovation and growth. 

Challenges and benefits of a diverse workforce 

Creating a diverse workplace presents its own set of challenges and offers significant benefits: 

Challenges 

• Recognising and addressing unconscious biases in hiring and promotion decisions 

• Achieving equal representation across all levels and departments within the organisation 

• Effectively integrating diverse cultures and backgrounds into a cohesive workplace environment 

Benefits 

• A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovative approaches 

• Diversity in teams leads to more thorough and well-considered decision-making processes 

• Employees in diverse and inclusive environments often show higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement 

• A diverse team can better understand and connect with a diverse customer base, improving market reach and competitiveness 

• Companies that lead the way in gender and ethnic diversity are likely to perform 25% better financially 

A final thought 

The emphasis on diversity in Nash Squared highlights the essential role of inclusivity in today's workplaces.  

Implementing a comprehensive diversity strategy fosters a more equitable workplace and also drives innovation and business success.  

For more insight into how Nash Squared is championing diversity and the impact it has on their operations, APSCo members can watch Bev and Ann’s full interview here. 

APSCo recognises that inspiring and supporting women in leadership to fulfil their potential is a challenge for many professional recruitment businesses today. Our ‘Women in Leadership’ programme has been developed at the request of members and addresses the challenges that can hold women back and offers practical tools to enable them to navigate barriers more effectively.