A revitalised vision for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce
The New Shape of Work interview series addresses the challenges and uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus with a focus on how to transition to a more agile workforce for the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic, racial and social unrest, and a growing environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda have all accelerated the need for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. Consumers and employees alike are demanding that businesses and governments take a real stand on social justice. This shift gives organisations a unique opportunity to drive positive societal change as part of their own responsibility and sustainability agendas. It's not just the right thing to do – as research has shown, driving a holistic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion can lead to greater innovation and greater productivity.
Our conversation brings two experts from the World Economic Forum, Till Leopold and Gitanjali Chaturvedi, to discuss how companies can make progress on this agenda.
Interesting moments from the interview:
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Creating a societal change
"With regard to gender parity specifically what we have seen through the Forum’s research…that the COVID-19 pandemic has really set gender parity back by one generation…more than 30 years that women will need to wait longer on current trends until something like full agenda parity might be achieved in our economy and society." -
Positively impacting communities
"It's important to actually fine tune our approach. It's important to actually accelerate and focus our efforts in countries and in areas where we feel the big wins. And really target customised approaches, depending on the geographies and the community is that we want to impact." -
Creating diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for every employee
"Any effective diversity, equity and inclusion strategy needs to really not be a siloed thing…where we're trying in one corner of the company here to solve these issues. That we really see that this is embedded into the business in a very deep and meaningful way and actively supported from the top by the entire C-suite up to the CEO level."
More episodes in this series
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Future of workJuly 17, 2024 | 48 | 20:46In this podcast episode, explore how employee expectations and legislative imperatives are reshaping total reward strategies with the shift to pay fairness and transparency.
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Future of work
Step out of your comfort zone with Wanda Wallace
March 18, 2024 | 45 | 26:35Wanda Wallace shares the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, knowing when it is time to move on, and building supportive relationships. -
Embracing AI in the rewards function
February 26, 2024 | 44 | 43:33Martin Smit of Takada discusses how GenAI may impact the rewards function, improve productivity and ways to increase employee comfortable with AI. -
Think and be digital: How AI will improve jobs
September 29, 2023 | 39 | 36:29In this podcast episode we talk about the fast pace of change organisations have faced, the impact of AI on the Human Resources function, and the critical role that HR has in ensuring that Generative AI is part of an overall digital strategy. -
Attract & retain talent
How Novo Nordisk paved the path for inclusive business transformation
August 15, 2023 | Episode 38 | 33:43How did HR and IT at Novo Nordisk collaborated to elevate DEI as a critical piece of the business transformation agenda? Listen to the journey they took and what they see moving forward.
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