A strategic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion can help people and societies thrive

Organisational health is increasingly dependent on embedding DEI measures throughout the business.
Accelerated by global calls for racial justice and equity, organisational focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has evolved from a “nice to have” to a business imperative. Consumers, investors, communities and talent are now seeking out companies that are making progress on social sustainability measures — moving the needle on the “S” of ESG, which has DEI at its heart.
When leaders proactively work to advance equality, they tend to see improvements in their bottom lines. The employee experience becomes more appealing — organisations are better equipped to attract and retain top talent, and people are more highly engaged and motivated to increase productivity and performance. And when the workforce includes people from diverse backgrounds who feel empowered to present ideas born of a variety of experiences, innovation grows.
That’s why more organisations are embedding DEI measures into their strategies and creating measurable business goals around them. This means integrating DEI considerations across:
-
Engagement, accountability and leadership
-
Organisation design and governance
-
Pay equity commitments and analysis
-
Talent practices and career development
-
Financial wellness, health and caregiving
-
Organisational flexibility
-
Policies and programmes
Organisations are increasingly being evaluated on how well they perform against criteria beyond financial performance — measures that represent different dimensions of stakeholder capitalism.
Pathways to social justice: A revitalised vision for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce
Amid a global pandemic, racial and social unrest, and the rise of stakeholder capitalism, it’s a business imperative that leaders take action to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society.
Read the paper and learn how to create a revitalised vision for DEI
European Union (EU) directive on equal pay and pay transparency
If there’s one thing companies should prioritise to drive balanced gender representation, our research shows that it’s ensuring pay equity.
Stepping up for equity: How employers can close the career, health and wealth gaps faced by Black American workers
Data and insights on racial equity in the workplace can guide organisations toward actions that help Black employees thrive.
Related solutions
-
Talent & transformationMercer’s organisation design consulting can help you transition from a traditional multilayered organisation to a simple, agile and distributed structure.
-
Employee experience design
Mercer’s employee experience design uses design-thinking principles to define and shape solutions to meet your people’s needs more effectively and to bring out the… -
Future of work
Workday optimisation
Mercer helps you maximise your investment in Workday through implementation and optimisation to ensure this powerful HR management software is providing maximum…
Related insights
-
People sustainability
ESG sustainability
Around the world, organisations are transforming their operations around a pressing priority: environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability. See… -
Future of work
3 key questions to kickstart your AI transformation
Successfully transform you organizations with AI -
DEI insights
Investing in age-inclusive workforces to navigate demographic shifts
By investing in an age-inclusive workforce, businesses and broader society can navigate demographic shifts and ensure that people and businesses thrive.