5 Reasons Why Workplace Diversity Is Good For Business | Inc.com

Introduction

Ian Altman highlights insights from polling expert Tom Webster, who warns that lacking diverse perspectives—especially in political thought—poses a serious blind spot for companies. Webster stresses the need for variety in viewpoints to truly understand customers.

1. Boosted Creativity
A workforce that spans ethnicities, ages, genders, and religions drives more creative energy than a uniform team. In 2017, tapping into this creative diversity helps firms break new ground and solve old problems.

2. Enhanced Innovation
Different life experiences can spark innovation. For example, Nike’s introduction of the “Pro Hijab” for Muslim women athletes shows how diversity in design teams can lead to breakthrough products.

3. Better Consumer Insight
Altman notes that if your team lacks representation, you might miss entire market segments. In 2017, businesses needed diverse voices in product development to truly understand and engage varied customer bases.

4. Richer Brainstorming
Homogenous groups tend to produce repetitive ideas. In contrast, diverse teams generate more dynamic discussions and avoid echo chambers.

5. Improved Decision?Making
Altman cites data showing that varied perspectives yield stronger business decisions—for the company, its employees, and its clients.

Conclusion

Webster warns: omitting diverse voices in brainstorming or boardrooms is risky. Altman challenges businesses to examine where diversity might be lacking in their strategies .

Source: 5 Reasons Why Workplace Diversity Is Good For Business | Inc.com