Building and Measuring Inclusion

Asia Council for Gender Equity - Council Meeting Insights (Mar'21)

“Inclusion is a skill that needs to be built.”

“Inclusion means thinking about one’s whole self and not leaving this at the door.”

“Businesses use Return on Investment as a key measure; they should also use Return on Inclusion.”

Key Takeaway Lessons

Inclusion is not a subsidiary component of diversity and equality of opportunity. It is a key enabler of the company’s performance, preparedness, and purpose and the company’s ability to create opportunity, connection, and common cause.
As such, it needs to be resourced to the same extent as other business priorities rather than frittered away through peace-meal and isolated initiatives disconnected from mainstream business objectives.
An individual’s “whole self” is a superpower to be shared with and to benefit the company. This can be achieved by creating an environment where everyone can succeed and promoting the idea that the value of each person is wrapped up in the success of the organisation.

Insights Summary

These are just a few of the reflections and insights that were shared at the virtual meeting of the Asia Council for Gender Equality, organised by The Conference Board on 3^rd March 2021 and attended by representatives from Asia-based firms.

Members were addressed by business author, academic and commentator Alison Maitland on how inclusion forms an integral part of not just gender equality and diversity policies but of business strategy as a whole. In the discussions that both preceded and followed her presentation, several important themes emerged.

The importance of bringing one’s ‘whole self’ to work. Drawing on climate activist Greta Thurnberg’s positive description of her autism, members discussed the idea that each individual’s “whole self” is a “superpower” to be shared with and to benefit the organisation. This entai

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