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The European Commission has published its report The business case for diversity: good practices in the workplace. Almost 800 businesses, from blue chips to SMEs, took part in the survey earlier in 2005. They were asked about their attitudes to and policies on diversity - commonly perceived as "the recognition and appreciation of difference" - in the workplace. Some 65% of responses came from SMEs, which account for 90% of the EU economy.
The survey reveals that 83% of companies that have adopted diversity policies believe that they make good business sense. The main business benefits include being able to recruit from a wider selection of people, being able to keep better workers longer, improved community relations and an enhanced company image. However, nearly half of all companies responding to the survey still have to implement a diversity policy.
As well as a survey, the report also includes a collection of good practices from various companies with diversity policies. Examples include providing non-discrimination training for managers and staff; creation of employee networks representing disabled, gay, lesbian, and ethnic minority employees; company-wide campaigns on the value of older employees; diversity objectives for managers linked to performance appraisal.
The good practices highlight how diversity policies bring tangible results. In one case, they helped a company reduce its employee turnover rate from 25% to below 7.5% in less than four years, thereby making significant savings in employment and training costs. Most examples of good practice were received from companies in the UK, followed by Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
...back to 8 December 2005
Sources:
83% of European companies with 'diversity in the workplace' policies see business benefits - Commission report
The Business Case for Diversity - Good Practices in the Workplace
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