•  Improving diversity and inclusion is a top priority for over a quarter of business leaders (28%) in the first half of 2020

• This comes as almost all (98%) companies actively seek to enhance workplace culture to maintain a happy, productive workforce

• Improvements are expected to lead to increased productivity and greater innovation, as well as boosting company reputation

Enhancing diversity and inclusion is a top priority for over a quarter (28%) of business leaders, as companies seek to improve workplace culture in a competitive hiring market.

According to the latest research1 from recruitment specialist Robert Half UK, the overwhelming majority (98%) of businesses are pursuing workplace culture improvements during the first half of the year. 

Given the competitive hiring market at present, it is no surprise that businesses are actively seeking to improve workplace culture in addition to taking other steps to ensure they remain attractive to prospective employees, such as assessing current remuneration packages and exploring wider incentives.

Outside of the reputational benefits, many business leaders believe increased diversity will help maintain a happy and productive workforce and encourage more innovative thinking.

Positively, nearly two-thirds (64%) of all respondents reported that diversity, with regards to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability, had already increased over the last three years. 

Matt Weston, Managing Director of Robert Half UK, commented: “It is clear that more and more businesses are subscribing to the mentality that a happy workplace is a productive one, with the majority of leaders actively seeking to improve culture. Focusing on enhancing diversity and inclusion is one way to achieve this, as well as providing increased potential for innovation and reputational benefits to boot.

“As businesses look to attract the best and brightest in a competitive market, it is no longer enough just to offer a competitive salary. Prospective employees are looking for a well-rounded package with wider incentives, such as flexible working and healthcare benefits, as well as an attractive workplace culture – and it’ll be the businesses that understand and prioritise this that that come out on top.”