Organisations are now starting to understand and value Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.
No longer just a trend, companies that have introduced Diversity and Inclusion strategies are more adaptable, creative, and have become magnets in attracting top talent, with many employees making this a deciding factor for choosing their employer.
A study by McKinsey also found companies that adopt Diversity and Inclusion into their culture have a competitive business advantage, as they are able to relate to a wider range of clients.
AdviceFirst Employee Experience Manager Claire George agrees. “To give great financial advice we need to understand the values, fears and motivations of our clients. The people and their families that we are here to help come from different generations and cultures and it is important that we as their trusted advisers also represent these diverse communities.”
“We want our clients to see a bit of themselves in us; whether it is a welcome that sounds like home, understanding about a way of life, or the celebration and protection of the same values. We are here to make sure that a better financial future is for everyone.”
To achieve a diverse workforce, Claire says AdviceFirst actively recruits people whose thinking, experience, and authenticity will enrich the team and make financial advice more real to clients.
However, Claire says it is not enough to have a diverse workforce if you don’t let people flourish.
“At AdviceFirst we ensure we have a culture of inclusion where people can bring their whole selves to work,” says Claire. “One of the ways we do this is by partnering with Rainbow Tick to ensure we have a safe and welcoming environment for members of the Rainbow community. This partnership has led to great opportunities to educate our whole team around how to respectfully engage with team members and clients who identify as LGBTQIA++.”
“We also have an employee led Diversity and Inclusion committee who run a programme of work identifying the events and days of remembrance that are important to our people and celebrating these in a meaningful way. This committee also ensures we always give a damn about our people, which is one of our core company values.”
Claire says that it is important for employers to value and celebrate their people for who they are, and in turn they can be at their best for their clients.
“We work through some deep and challenging conversations with our clients, and we can do this best when we are able to approach from a place of understanding and respect.”
