The CBI is urging businesses to make swifter progress on creating more inclusive workplaces and to not allow this to slip down the agenda in the face of competing priorities. The CBI report, Time for Action: The Business Case for Inclusive Workplaces states that an inclusive workplace is one in which diversity – the differences of gender, sexuality, race, age, social background, physical and mental ability, and differences of thought and experience – are welcomed because they improve people/team performance and business results. Diversity helps companies to understand how customers think, what drives their spending habits and how to access new markets. But, CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn believes that progress towards inclusive workplaces must speed up because diversity is seen as a ‘footnote’ and not a top strategic priority. The report highlights approaches that have helped businesses make progress in order to offer practical suggestions that can help others follow in their footsteps.

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