Why DEI is Key to Business Success

Many international studies have highlighted the value that diversity and inclusion bring to a company's business operations. What was once seen primarily as a moral or social issue, focused on creating a fairer and more equitable world, is now also recognised as a key driver of business competitiveness.  

“Diverse and inclusive teams, where everyone feels they have a place and a voice, are not only more empathetic, cohesive, and satisfied, but also more efficient, productive, and creative,” explains Catarina. 

Enhancing Creativity and Results 

In recent years, diversity and inclusion have become increasingly prominent topics within the corporate world. Employees seek workplaces with structured approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and companies know that, to attract and retain talent, a competitive salary alone is no longer enough. For a company to become fully inclusive, it must go beyond merely setting diversity quotas. It requires cultivating a work environment where everyone feels heard, respected, valued, and actively contributing to the success of the team, project, and company — regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, belief or religion, socioeconomic background, political or sexual orientation, cognitive style, limitations or disabilities, academic or cultural background.  

Diverse and inclusive teams, regardless of the sector they operate in, have proven to be immensely valuable to companies, as they deliver more and better results. This phenomenon, which is essentially about bringing a more accurate representation of society into the corporate world, is no coincidence.  

“Teams with diverse ways of thinking, life experiences, and backgrounds are powerful sources of creativity and empathy, with the ability to find solutions to everyday challenges.”

While the concepts of diversity and inclusion are often mentioned together, it is important to understand that their meanings and approaches are distinct. Diversity aims to foster the representation of different perspectives within a company or organisation. Inclusion, on the other hand, ensures that these differences are not only respected but also valued within a community where all members are integral. 

And what are the best ways for companies to promote this?  

• Ensuring the leadership team is aligned with the organisation's internal diversity and inclusion policies.  
• The promotion of equity rather than equality is fundamental. Instead of offering a standardised set of opportunities based on an employee's career stage, companies should seek to create opportunities that enable each employee to reach their full potential, according to their specific profile.  
• Companies must invest in the necessary tools to create level circumstances and privileges among employees from different backgrounds. In some cases, this might involve more extensive internal training during the onboarding phase or a longer, more tailored recruitment process. 

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not only a matter of social justice, but additionally makes good business sense. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected is crucial to commercial success and the creation of a more just and equitable society more broadly. 

Critical’s Role in Creating a Diverse Future 

At Critical, our people come together to use tech for good and create a better and safer world for all. 

We know that only by welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, with different perspectives, will we be able to deliver our best. We want to keep fostering a diverse, inclusive, and dynamic environment where each of our people can reach their full potential. This is good for our business, our people and communities, and it is the right thing to do. 

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manifesto outlines what we believe in. Take a look here!