As we celebrate Heritage Month in South Africa, it’s impossible not to be inspired by our country’s reigning Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks. Their ongoing success on the global stage is a testament to how our diverse heritage – when united – becomes a powerful force.
The Springboks, much like our “Rainbow Nation”, undoubtedly demonstrate that by embracing different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives we can all achieve greatness.
Bringing it back to the workplace, just as diverse rugby players offer unique skills to the field, so does every individual in the workplace, contributing their own distinct experience and viewpoint. When we embrace our fellow employees, learn about their cultures, and value their perspectives, we not only create a more inclusive environment but also spark creativity and innovation.
The statistics also speak volumes. McKinsey says that more diverse and inclusive companies are 35% likely to outperform their competitors. Furthermore, companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets, notes HBR. And diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions, observes People Management.
Studies have repeatedly shown that diverse teams are more innovative, solving problems in fresh ways and developing strategies that speak to a broader audience.
Out of the box
When people from different walks of life come together, their combined perspectives lead to ideas that no single individual could have conceived alone. A tangible sum of its parts.
It is also this collective strength that enable teams to overcome often insurmountable challenges, see new opportunities, and create solutions that are impactful, creative and downright exciting.
Moreover, a workplace where employees feel valued for their unique contributions leads to increased loyalty. Similarly, employees who are respected and acknowledged for their individuality are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, fostering a culture of mutual respect across teams.
This cross-cultural understanding also leads to innovative and optimised business outcomes. A team or an organisation that is connected, and values its diversity, is better equipped to meet the needs of diverse customers and markets, creating more effective and inclusive strategies.
This Heritage Month
As we celebrate our roots, vibrant cultures, and the power of shared identity, we should also come together to nurture, embrace, and accept one another. Indeed, it’s a time to reflect on the importance of social cohesion and to continue the journey of nation-building by embracing our differences and celebrating our unity.
At Schneider Electric, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are at the heart of our company values, which encourage us to embrace diverse perspectives, co-create a space where everyone thrives, and build a foundation for belonging.
This Heritage Month, we ask our colleagues to continue fostering an environment that is fair, equitable, healthy, and high performing. By welcoming the diverse viewpoints and backgrounds of our colleagues, caring for each other’s well-being, and standing up against biased behaviours, we build a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.
In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, lawyer, judge, and trailblazing advocate for women’s rights: “We will all profit from a more diverse, inclusive society; understanding, accommodating, even celebrating our differences, while pulling together for the common good.”
So, let us continue to nurture the power of our diversity, both as a nation and within the workplace. Just as the Springboks have shown us on the rugby field, when we come together with a shared goal and embrace the richness of our backgrounds, we can also achieve greatness.
Nimmita Maharaj, Diversity and Transformation Director, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric