Diversity and inclusion are becoming essential in war for talent
Local and international companies in mainland China are turning to diversity and inclusion as a way of attracting and retaining staff. According to a conference organised by Community Business, a non-profit organisation that provides training and advice to companies on corporate social responsibility, the move was prompted by the fierce war for talent among companies in the region.
Businesses were found to be either lacking an understanding of what diversity entailed or failing to see how being more inclusive could help attract and retain talent. Addressing problems like gender inequality or discrimination against people with disabilities were some of the issues that could be focused on to retain talent.
Businesses were encouraged to take the different needs of their employees into account - a shift from the way companies traditionally did business in Asia. Changes included incorporating flexible working arrangements, reduced working hours, daycare programmes for employees with children, alternative leave options, attracting employees from diverse backgrounds, a system of meritocracy and a change of mindset, employee and family support, well-being, health and community.
Tim Minges, general manager of the Asia-Pacific business unit of PepsiCo Asia, said: 'We are committed to leveraging diversity to create an environment where people can thrive and the business can grow through unprecedented collaboration and innovation. Success in our diversity and inclusion journey will ensure that we continue to lead the market with products that reflect the preferences and choices of our Asian consumers.'
Gary Dirks, BP Group vice-president and president for Asia-Pacific said the challenge for multinationals lay in aligning global approaches with local culture and norms. 'Corporate leaders should reflect the local communities in which the business operates and this must be a business imperative as well as a social responsibility.'
Another company that has recognised the need for diversity and inclusion to help harness talent is Cisco Services. It's vice-president of technical services Asia-Pacific, Karen McFadzen, said: 'It is important we create a workplace that embraces talent in Asia, fosters collaborative teams and helps our employees make powerful connections.'
