How diversity brings true value to business

What does the word ‘diversity’ mean to you? To answer this question, a straightforward dictionary definition would certainly do, but when we think about what it means to us, we like to go a little deeper, to consider all the ways that it factors into our organisation, what it brings and why we view diversity as a driver for success.

On the face of it, this should be reasonably simple. After all, doesn’t the past ten years of research show that the most diverse companies are also likely to be the most successful? But while the data is clear, it doesn’t paint a practical picture of how this comes about and what it looks like from the inside. For us, there is no mystery – it’s all part of the plan. We build it into our organisational strategy, and the outcome can be seen in some of our most recognised qualities.

Customer connection

We of course, are a global company, but in Europe, the Middle East and Africa we have the most nationally and culturally diverse market in the world. Working with and for our customers and partners across such a large number of regions means that we need a deep understanding of each local market. So, bringing together a wide range of different backgrounds, skills, perspectives and experiences, both on the ground and in our regional offices, helps us to anticipate emerging trends and resonate with communities at the most fundamental human level.

Products for everyone

Our products need to reflect the many ways our customers want and need to use them, so we follow the principles of Universal Design. This means consulting with people of all abilities and backgrounds, deep diving into research and understanding how a wide range of users might interact with a device. We also think about new and inventive ways that our products can be used to create inclusivity, such as our first World Unseen initiative, which used elevated print technology to make images more accessible to people with sight loss.

Successful collaboration

Ideas like World Unseen and Canon Middle East and North Africa’s Women Who Empower are just two examples of award-winning enterprises which emerged from the hearts of passionate colleagues who wanted to use Canon’s powerful reach to support local communities. But more than that, it is evidence of an environment where ideas are valued and different perspectives are heard, which in itself requires a culture of open dialogue and encouragement. This may seem like a simple ask, but it begins with a number of foundational actions to bring these ideas and voices to the table in the first place.

Great governance for inclusive growth

Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, but that’s just fine with us. Stringent formal structures, compliance, KPIs and accountability may not sound particularly exciting, but they are necessary, and they work. Having these frameworks in place is actually very valuable in helping us to see just how much we are accomplishing. In doing this, we have proudly been awarded for everything from family-friendliness to accolades for our learning programmes and a seal of recognition for corporate health.

We know, from our own experience, that the most credible and resilient businesses – those which maintain market reach and are respected for their innovation – value diversity in the workplace and are rewarded for it. The goal for everyone is to make sure that diversity is effectively ‘baked in’ to operations, corporate mindset and overall culture – which takes vision, commitment and communication. In fact, it might be said the diversity and inclusion in business is a hallmark of strength.

Learn more about DE&I at Canon.