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Strength through diversity

Different perspectives on diversity

Diversity and inclusion are important to companies, especially in volatile times. The wellbeing of employees critically depends on these two factors. B. Braun colleagues from various countries tell us about what diversity means to them specifically.

The concept of diversity has traction these days. Businesses, institutions and a wide swath of society agree that diversity is a strength—and that different viewpoints and backgrounds enrich debate and make decisions more sustainable. The multitude of crises unfolding currently are unmistakable: war in Europe, inflation, the aftereffects of the coronavirus pandemic. Social and economic uncertainty is higher than it has been in decades. In times of uncertainty such as these, embracing diversity is a critical stabilizing factor both for society as a whole and especially for businesses.

This has been backed up with a wealth of data collected as part of a widely respected study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the UN in Geneva. Researchers at the ILO evaluated over 12,000 surveys from hundreds of businesses in industrialized and newly industrialized countries. Jae-Hee Chang is the senior program and operations officer at the ILO. She headed the research project and summarized the results: “As we’ve known for some time: a high level of diversity directly correlates with greater productivity. Recruitment is one of the most important ways to achieve this. Companies that embrace diversity are simply more attractive.”

The study also found that businesses with a diverse culture are more flexible to changing market conditions, which means they can react more quickly. Yet, diversity is more than just a tool for a company’s success. The actual focus of the ILO study is people. As Chang explained, “We were mostly interested in employee wellbeing and we found that it is directly linked to the level of diversity. In diverse companies, the employees—everyone, really—find it easier to see themselves as part of a whole. On the other hand, and this is an integral part of it, they feel respected as individuals. They can be themselves and that's precisely what makes them part of a community.” This exact combination produces a quality that is more important than ever in times of crisis, both on the individual and company level: resilience—the ability to overcome volatile times.   

“As we’ve known for some time: a high level of diversity directly correlates with greater productivity. Recruitment is one of the most important ways to achieve this. Companies that embrace diversity are simply more attractive.”

Jae-Hee Chang, senior program and operations officer at the International Labour Organization (ILO)
People with black or brown skin are more likely to be injected multiple times when inserting a needle for an IV

“If people seem withdrawn and apathetic, it doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to do their job. They could also be depressed.”

Maria V. Butler, eDMS & Training System Specialist, Irvine, USA
A broad spectrum of experiences – and ethnicity is just one of many factors here – helps to achieve the best results
People are our greatest asset, they make our company successful. Our goal has to be to treat them in a way that makes them feel fully respected and seen.

“As a medical technology company, we naturally don't focus on a single group. Ethnic diversity is simply a necessity!”

Joyce Njiru, Financial Controller, Nairobi, Kenya
You must recognize, acknowledge and embrace a work culture to get the best out of our diverse workforce and make them feel they belong here.

“For us, diversity isn't just a matter of respect, rather it plays a crucial role in the actual innovation work we do. ”

Yongji Fu, Vice President and Head of Research & Development, Penang, Malaysia
The United States are very diverse, and it is critical that we represent the patients and providers we serve.

I represent diversity here, and my experiences matter in this environment—and that is a good thing.


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