In today’s global economic system, companies need to diversify to remain competitive. A diverse and inclusive workforce is one that employs people of different ages, races, genders, and languages. It also means hiring from often underrepresented and minority groups like women, youth and differently-abled persons.
Businesses are also able to attract and retain talent by being inclusive. Millennials tend to stay longer with companies that understand the needs of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compared to the previous generations, millennials have grown up with the idea that diversity and inclusion are crucial. Therefore, they take aspects such as employee diversity into account when making job decisions.
That is why, in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), B Lab Africa ran a capacity building program on Diversity and Inclusion for businesses using the B Impact Assessment to assist them to evaluate their contribution to employee well-being through equity, diversity, and inclusion. The training aimed to:
- Demystify the stigma associated with hiring youth, especially women and differently abled persons (DAPs) who have just completed college and are transitioning into the Kenyan workplace
- Increase the number of youth, women, and DAPs in the Kenyan workforce;
- Promote the benefits of employing or engaging with youth, women, and DAPs to employers;
- Enhance the placements of youth, women, and DAPs with employers; and
- Assist employers to develop and maintain systems, processes, and policies for recruiting and maintaining the employment and/or engagement of DAPs.
Eco2librium, Kenya
In 2014, Eco2librium Kenya did not have data regarding women in management. After using the B Impact Assessment (BIA) they were able to identify the gaps they needed to work on to better reflect their employee diversity practices as a business. During their recertification as a B Corp, women constituted between 40 - 49% in management.
Imani Development, South Africa
In 2017, Imani Development did not have a policy on discrimination. After using the B Impact Assessment (BIA) they were able to identify the gaps they needed to work on to better highlight their non-discrimination commitment as a business. During their recertification as a B Corp, they had a written non-discrimination policy that covers gender, race, color, disability, political opinion, sexual orientation, age, religion, and HIV status.
Leaders across industries have to ensure that their organizations take bold action to build a more just and equitable world. Those that pursue these goals through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives won’t just be doing the right thing; they’ll also be equipping themselves with a powerful foundation for long-term strategic advantage.
Our mission is to accelerate a shift in how business is done in Africa. To redefine business success as not just for profit but also for a purpose. To encourage businesses to work for a positive impact for all stakeholders: workers, customers, community and the environment
