Time to advance: the next steps on the diversity and inclusion journey

Labour and skills shortages are widespread and are affecting numerous sectors across the economy. From construction and manufacturing to retail and hospitality, businesses are struggling to find the talent they need to grow. With the rapid spread of Omicron, this is exacerbating the problem further.

Embedding diversity and inclusion (D&I) into the business strategy is a major tool at companies’ disposal to overcome these challenges.

By investing in D&I, businesses can attract and retain talent, but also increase their productivity and performance. Businesses are a vital part of achieving a more inclusive economy and doing so makes moral and business sense.

In Time to Advance – a new guide exclusively for members – the CBI helps firms to put their ambition into action. The guide includes case studies from businesses who are advancing their D&I strategies beyond race and gender, with examples of how businesses can implement practices to consider protected characteristics such as disability and age.

The guide also includes examples of how firms are shifting the dial towards greater inclusivity in the workplace, as well as examples on how to take an approach on diversity and inclusion that goes beyond the protected characteristics.

The guide explains:

• The moral and business case for advancing D&I, and the progress achieved so far
• How to implement changes to recruit and retain more people with a disability, capitalise on a multigenerational workforce, create an inclusive culture and improve social mobility.

Using real case studies from firms of varying sizes in different sectors and regions, this practical guide explores how members can take action across these areas, alongside how to make tangible and lasting change.

Read the full guide to discover how you can advance D&I in your business.