Despite it all, we’re still committed to diversity in Australia

She spoke of concerns about the global political environment and the range of conflicts around the world, of a rising lack of respect for women, growing inequality, the lingering effects of the pandemic and, perhaps most poignantly, “concern that we might lose our capacity to conduct robust and passionate arguments and debate with civility and respect”.

In the face of such far-reaching and nuanced challenges, the growing backlash against diversity and inclusion is both unsettling and ironic.

Recent discussions in the media, such as the interview with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultant Sarah Liu published in the Australian, raise concerns about a potential “backslide” in corporate Australia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Liu expresses concern over the rising anti-DEI sentiment in the US, where efforts to increase diversity are being blamed for a broad gamut of calamities, from the collapse of banks to airplanes disintegrating in midair. Add to this Elon Musk’s claims that inclusion results in “different discrimination” in his notorious “DEI must DIE” tweet and it is easy to see why Liu might fear these sentiments becoming mirrored in Australian markets.

However, as the CEO of Australia’s leading peak body in the diversity and inclusion space, I believe the commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce among Australian businesses remains strong and resilient for a multitude of evidence-based reasons.

DCA has nearly 1400 member organisations across the nation that collectively employ more than two million Australians. Through our members, we witness first-hand an unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces. These organisations understand that this essential work is not a fad but a fundamental aspect of their business strategy that contributes to their success and sustainability.

DCA’s biennial Inclusion@Work Index, which maps the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce, consistently shows the overwhelming majority of employees support diversity and inclusion action within their organisations. Contrary to the belief that Australian organisations are “steering away” from diversity, in the 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index more than half (52 per cent) of employees report that their organisation is inclusive, a 12 per cent increase on both the 2019-2020 index and the 2021-2022 index.

This increase is thanks to executives and leaders across the nation recognising the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Studies show time and time again that inclusive organisations simply perform better – they’re up to 25 per cent more profitable, nearly 10 times more likely to be innovative, and four times more likely to provide good customer service.

Inclusion also minimises risk. The 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index shows employees who work for inclusive organisations are four times less likely to experience discrimination and harassment, three times less likely to leave their organisation, and 10 times more likely to be very satisfied. They’re also four times more likely to feel work has a positive impact on their mental health and five times more likely to work extra hard.

It is true that Australian organisations are grappling with unprecedented challenges, both economically and culturally. These challenges, outlined by our new Governor-General, have disrupted social cohesion and left Australians feeling more divided than ever. Leaders need to manage increasingly diverse perspectives and lived experiences, and to do so they need to have the right expertise and skills that can only come from a genuine commitment to inclusive workplace practices.

Companies that integrate inclusion as an essential priority in their core values and operations are thriving. They are not only meeting but exceeding their business objectives while creating safe, supportive and fair work environments. This commitment is reflected in their ongoing investments in diversity and inclusion-related initiatives, even amid economic challenges.

While the Australian market does tend to mirror the US in many respects, fostering inclusive work environments speaks to our nation’s steadfast support of the ‘‘fair go’’.

During her swearing-in speech, our Governor-General described Australia as “a country with extraordinary advantages”. Among these, she lists our unique geography, our abundant resources, the generous sharing of the oldest continuing culture in the world and our willingness to extend these spoils to the 7.5 million migrants, including 950,000 refugees, who we have welcomed since the end of World War II.

Despite Liu’s valid anxieties, the broader trend among Australian businesses is one of sustained commitment and progress.

Regardless of the myriad challenges facing Australian organisations, I have faith that our core values as a nation will continue to shield us from the concerning sentiments coming out of the US. In her historical address, our Governor-General quoted Australia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ridwaan Jadwat, who describes Australia as a country in which diversity “is absolutely fundamental to who we are and where we are going as a people”.

She concludes by highlighting that these “testing times” call for “an unstinting focus on kindness, on care and on respect”.

“I’ve seen it in reform of workplaces, where inclusion and respect now prevail,” she says.

I remain optimistic about the future of diversity and inclusion in Australia, and so does DCA’s extensive network of member organisations. Their steadfast commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is testament to our shared hopes for a more inclusive and prosperous future for our nation, and we are making significant strides towards that goal.