In the evolving world of business, the term “inclusivity” has moved beyond being a mere value to become a structured imperative. This fundamental shift reflects a growing awareness that embracing diversity is not just a courtesy — it’s a strategic necessity.
A Look into INNOVAMEY’s Vision: A Conversation with ONIRO Agency
As part of a journey to explore new values that can inspire businesses, Francesco Arighetti, founder of ONIRO, interviewed our founder, Aram Mbow, in November 2023 — an engaging dialogue that delved into the essence of our vision for a more inclusive world.
Understanding Inclusion
“What does it really mean to be inclusive?”
At its core, inclusivity goes beyond mere acceptance; it is the genuine promotion of participation by individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and characteristics. Its essence lies in respecting and valuing differences, transforming them into resources that enrich the fabric of our shared reality. The beauty of inclusion is not only in the representation of diversity, but in the collective power to overcome some of the most significant challenges of our generation.
Despite its importance, inclusivity remains elusive. The numbers paint a stark reality — especially for women, who continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, revealing deep-rooted cultural challenges and persistent stereotypes. Only 3% of women hold CEO positions, making up just 20% of total executives in Italy. The gender pay gap also persists, with women earning nearly €8,000 less, reflecting a 9.6% discrepancy.
However, the struggle for inclusivity goes beyond gender, encompassing ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, ability, and social class. Often, these dimensions intersect, creating a web of challenges that particularly affect minority groups.
But why is inclusivity so difficult to achieve?
Fundamentally, it requires effort from those who are not directly affected by existing norms. Inclusivity demands the recognition of privilege. Those who benefit from certain advantages may not find an immediate incentive to promote change. Moreover, addressing inclusivity means confronting our own biases, a task that calls for introspection and the willingness to challenge deep-rooted preferences.
To effectively manage these challenges, structured investments are essential. Inclusion requires authenticity, going beyond symbolic gestures and performative actions. As with any aspect of sustainability, what is communicated, and perhaps more importantly, what is not, plays a crucial role. While many companies have made efforts to be seen as inclusive, the true test lies in the consistency of these values within the organizational culture.
Inclusion for Business Growth
What are the advantages of an inclusive culture in business?
Inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic advantage for companies. Promoting a workplace that celebrates diversity of thought and experience leads to more effective problem-solving, enhances corporate reputation, and attracts high-quality talent. This awareness has yet to reach its full potential in Italy, where only half of the population believes that diversity and inclusion have a direct impact on business performance, highlighting a significant awareness gap.
The benefits of embracing inclusion go beyond business metrics. Improved mental health, increased innovation, and a stronger sense of belonging are among the profound social benefits companies can foster by prioritizing diversity and inclusion.
The Road Ahead for Italian Companies
Although many Italian companies are gradually recognizing the importance of inclusion, there is still significant room for improvement. Only six out of ten have defined an Inclusion & Diversity plan, while two out of ten still consider it unimportant. A clear divide persists between large and small enterprises, affecting biases, training initiatives, cultural change, and opportunities.
A Unique Perspective
In the face of every challenge, embracing different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential. It is through these unique points of view that we gain a deeper understanding of the world — a perspective crucial to addressing the challenges of our generation. Each individual, equipped with their own distinctive background, contributes to the diverse mosaic that represents our greatest key to solving the complexities of our time.