Diversity and Inclusion in Europe: Switzerland Lags Behind

Workday recently unveiled the results of a new diversity and inclusion (D&I) survey. The survey was conducted in spring 2021 by Sapio Research on behalf of Workday among more than 2,200 HR managers and leaders from 14 European countries to understand motivations, actions and progress in the area of Belonging and Diversity (B&D).

Diversity and inclusion: major differences between countries

The investment and progress of diversity and inclusion initiatives varies widely among the organizations surveyed in Europe. For example, three out of four respondents say their leadership teams consider B&D important: Spain delivers the highest score at 84%. Germany and Switzerland come in at 76% and 74% respectively, and Austria at 62%. The lowest proportion of supporters is in Norway (46%).

Three in four respondents said they have a budget to fund D&I initiatives. More than 41% plan to maintain this, despite current economic challenges. More than a third even plan to increase it. In Germany, 74% and in Switzerland, 76% of respondents currently have financial resources for these initiatives. In addition, increases are planned for next year in both countries. Austria shows the highest value among companies without a budget (27%) and only 18% of respondents see opportunities for an increase in funding.

Almost all organizations are implementing at least one B&D initiative, but more than a third do not have a strategy in place. One-fifth have taken initial steps to develop one. In Germany, 37% have no strategic approach and 21% are changing that. In Switzerland, 40% are currently without a firm concept, while 23% would like to act in a more planned manner in the future. Austria is the country in Europe where most of the companies surveyed have no strategy (57%) and only 8% are taking steps to change this.

Increasingly, measures are taken on the basis of data

Data evaluations enable comparisons and changes, and make successes visible in the first place. Of all respondents, 75% trust their organization's D&I data to take action based on it. Denmark and Spain trust their data the most (85% and 83%), while Switzerland and Germany are just above and below the European average with 77% and 70% respectively. Austrians have only 55% trust in their data.

There is clear potential in all the countries surveyed when it comes to measuring the impact of D&I initiatives on business success: this data is only collected by 17% of respondents. Here, too, Spain (24%) has the highest value, while Germany is in the midfield with 15%, Switzerland (9%) and Austria (8%) occupy the rear places.

The survey found that of the companies surveyed in Europe, 92% use technology to support D&I initiatives to some degree. Compared to Europe, only 88% in Germany, 85% in Switzerland and 83% in Austria rely on technology.

View D&I as a central component of corporate strategy

Concrete and sustainable measures are needed to generate benefits for organizations and their employees. To achieve this, it is advisable to embed the concept consistently in the corporate strategy and to implement information systems that enable effective management. A fact-based approach can help organizations move from good intentions to lasting change.

"Far-reaching societal changes have led us to rethink how we work and interact with each other. Issues such as employee wellbeing, diversity, belonging and inclusion have automatically come into focus," explains Daniela Porr, EMEA HCM and D&I Specialist. "Through the study, we wanted to learn more about what progress, but also challenges, companies see in implementing a culture focused on diversity and belonging. The findings highlight the importance of engaging both management and employees in implementing D&I initiatives to achieve sustainable change. This can only succeed if companies view D&I as a central component of their corporate strategy and embed it in corporate governance. To bring together the relevant information and develop strategic approaches to diversity and inclusion, the use of innovative products and solutions can accelerate cultural transformation."

Source and further information: Workday