At ABSTRACT, we think equality, diversity and inclusion will continue to be a big focus for both society and in business in 2023. Many large organisations are now focused on this topic, with around half of Fortune 100 companies having appointed DE&I leaders, three out of four employees see workplace diversity as a key factor when considering a job offer and research suggesting diverse organisations have increased productivity. With business performance under scrutiny, a changing workforce and labour shortages, it will be important for organisations to recruit, develop and retain the best talent.

Having leaders who understand the key elements of inclusive leadership, who can increase trust, participation and inclusion, encourage creativity and  diversity of thought, will create fairer and better places to work and enhance productivity and performance.

There is evidence of positive progress although a Harvard Business Review article published in November found that that organisations could be making better, faster progress if they were more intentional about how they craft their strategies and that to sustain momentum, companies need to invest in three areas; 1.Connecting a good strategy to the right accountability, 2. Collecting and analysing the right data and 3. Truly empowering their DEI leaders.

In 2023, we shall be will be working with organisations to close the gap between good intention and desired outcomes. We will develop leaders to cultivate a new level of awareness and create an environment of conscious inclusion. We will help to reshape their thinking, inspiring companies and leaders to take action. 

If you are a Business Leader, HR Director, Head of Learning and Development or an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion professional we would love to talk to you about how we can support your future plans. Our programmes are structured around three core specialisms of:

• Inclusive Leadership.
• Business Development and Performance.
• Career Management.

Our programme content includes our Cultural Competence Programme, for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Development, our Cultural Transformation Programme, for high and sustainable performance and our Accelerate Programme, for mid to senior career management development.

Sources: 

Harvard Business Review : to sustain DEI momentum companies must invest in 3 areas

https://hbr.org/2022/11/to-sustain-dei-momentum-companies-must-invest-in-3-areas