Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) are key components to building a better society, and starting within your organisation is one of the first steps you can make to achieve a fair society. As the conversation increases, we want to share how you can incorporate this into your marketing.
A McKinsey study revealed organisations recognised as more diverse & inclusive are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, (Digital 2022). However, equity is sometimes disregarded.
What is Equality, Equity, Diversity & inclusion?
- Equality focuses on treating everybody fairly and eliminating prejudiced views.
- Diversity is used to describe individual differences. Such as life experiences learning/working styles, and personality types. As well as social differences, race, socio-economic status, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, ability, culture, & religion.
- Inclusion puts diversity into practice. With the focus of ensuring differences are valued and everybody feels valued and respected.
- Equity ensures individuals with less access to opportunities or those facing systemic barriers receive the tailored support they need. This approach helps them achieve the same level of fairness and inclusion as others.
Why EEDI will benefit your business:
- Employees feel happier & healthier.
- Customers feel respected.
- Managers have greater access to talent and skillsets needed for the business.
- Greater innovation and creativity: having employees from various backgrounds brings different perspectives. Employees feel valued and are more comfortable sharing ideas.
- Loyal customers: EEDI will have amazing impacts on your customers! If you are taking the time to understand their individual needs, they’ll value your business more.
- Increased productivity: a no-brainer! Employee motivation will surge driving productivity through the roof. While it will have financial rewards. It goes without saying, don’t improve your company’s EEDI solely for the purpose of improved profits.
Be the change you need in the world!
The Importance of Equity:
While equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are vital, it’s equally important to focus on equity. Equity can sometimes be disregarded, with organisations having an inclusive culture, but continues to favour certain groups. Equity goes beyond treating everyone the same. It acknowledges that not everyone starts from the same place, and some individuals or groups may require additional resources, adjustments, or opportunities to achieve true equality.
How you can Improve Equality, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for your Marketing:
Small incremental changes make the biggest difference. Aim to avoid making comparisons. While larger corporations may raise or invest into a minority group. Adapting your services to a client’s individual needs have equal benefits. For example, asking clients/potential clients their pronouns.
- Educate yourself & employees: acknowledge any lack of diversity and understand the areas that need work!
- It’s okay if your business lacks diversity: take accountability and work on the problems you see in your business.
- Feature diverse voices in campaigns: not as tokens but as genuine ambassadors.
- Tailor messaging and visuals: to reflect the realities and aspirations of various groups, ensuring inclusivity in tone and imagery.
- Use accessible platforms and formats: such as captions for videos, audio alternatives, and clear fonts.
- Increase the use of inclusive language: while it may seem like nothing. Using gender-neutral/inclusive terms in emails and contracts etc will make such a difference. Click here to access our inclusive language blog!
- Don’t only consider the visual effects: consider your company culture. Have you created a culture that allows employees to be themselves? Would they come forward if they were to be discriminated against by a client? You may need to fully adapt your culture or highlight issues with your team.
- Diversity training: if you don’t want to take this on alone, you don’t have to! There are so many options available. Introduce your employees to training days or attending roadshows.
- Increase the use of inclusive language: using gender-neutral/inclusive terms in emails and contracts etc will make such a difference. Click here to access our inclusive language blog!
- Celebrate all religions and cultures: ensure you respect and acknowledge different cultures’ holidays. For example, prayer rooms. If a potential client comes for a meeting this may be one of their needs. Make sure to highlight this for any visitors as they may be uncomfortable to ask. Aim to be inclusive!
- Awareness days/months: take a look at our marketing calendars.
Here are some business that help improve your EEDI:
Like anything new, it can be scary. You have invested so much into your brand. You may be afraid to make mistakes. However, with all the resources available, this can be easily prevented. Additionally, by prioritising equity alongside EEDI, you can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s a step towards building a stronger, more innovative, and empathetic workplace.