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 workMay 28, 2025 | 58 | 32:32In this episode we discuss the well-being of university students and ways employers can prepare for and support the next generation of the workforce.
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Future of work
The Skills-Powered Organisation
28/04/2025 | 57 | 33:43This episode Ravin Jesuthasan, Mercer’s Global Transformation Leader, and Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy and People Officer at Standard Chartered Bank discuss the transition from traditional job structures to a skills-based approach in talent management, the importance of agility and systemic skill development. -
Total rewards
Using the power of data to drive pay fairness and transparency
March 26, 2025 | 56 | 31:50Hear how proactively using data for informed compensation decision-making and effective communication can help create a positive workplace culture. -
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Delivering the future of work at Anglo American: the CLO role
February 28, 2025 | 55 | 33:56Hear from Anglo American about the importance of talent agility and continuous learning in response to rapid changes in the workforce and technology. -
People strategy
Bridging the gap: C-Suite and HR priorities for success in 2025
January 22, 2025 | 54 | 44:29In this episode, we share a preview of the results from both Mercer’s 2024-2025 Global Talent Trends survey report and 2025 Executive Outlook survey.
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