Leading the way: Why employers must champion workplace inclusivity

For the past 25 years, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) has been committed to creating a fairer, more inclusive society. Ireland has made significant progress in advancing social equality; strengthening equality laws, promoting gender balance, and legalising same-sex marriage. The 2025 Progress Index now ranks Ireland ninth out of 170 countries for social progress.

Despite these achievements, Ireland is facing a range of complex social issues, from housing shortages and rising health inequalities to the cost-of-living crisis and increased migration. These pressures are contributing to growing divisions in society, with migrant and LGBTQ+ communities experiencing a surge in organised attacks and threats. Verbal harassment, physical violence, and online abuse are becoming more common, creating fear and insecurity.

Large workplaces are a reflection of society, meaning the same tensions seen in communities can also surface in work environments. If left unaddressed, this can lead to conflict, disengagement, and reduced productivity. That is why strong DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies are critical. Businesses that foster inclusivity and belonging not only protect employees but also create a positive work culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Employment is the single most powerful factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling full participation in society. Yet, despite near full employment in Ireland, major gaps persist. Ireland has the largest employment participation gap for people with disabilities in the EU, and unemployment in the Traveller community is at a staggering 80 per cent. Additionally, despite having higher employment rates and educational qualifications, migrants are still more likely to face lower incomes and a greater risk of poverty.

To support businesses to proactively address these issues, BITCI launched Elevate: The Inclusive Workplace Pledge. This initiative aims to ensure Ireland’s workforce truly reflects the diversity of its society. Signing the pledge is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s an act of leadership, demonstrating a company’s commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering social cohesion.

In a world when DE&I efforts are facing global resistance, BITCI continues to see strong commitment from businesses in Ireland. Over 60 companies, representing more than 150,000 employees, have provided DE&I data to inform the 2025 Elevate Annual Report, set to be published in May. Early findings indicate positive trends, such as:

• More companies profiling workforce diversity.
• Increasing formalisation of universal inclusion policies.
• A greater number of employers paying a living wage.
• A rise in targeted outreach programmes to underrepresented groups.

By focusing on these actions, businesses can help close employment gaps and improve opportunities for diverse jobseekers who are distanced from the workforce.

“DE&I is more than a trend; it is a long-term commitment to building better workplaces and a better society.”

Why employers are stepping up

Leading employers understand that inclusivity is not just a moral responsibility; it is a business necessity. Research indicates that 73 per cent of people have left a job due to poor cultural fit. A diverse workforce attracts and retains top talent, and employees are more likely to stay in organisations where they feel respected and included. In today’s competitive job market, businesses that prioritise DE&I reduce turnover, lower recruitment costs, and improve overall employee engagement.

DE&I is also key to maintaining a strong brand reputation. Consumers, investors, and business partners increasingly expect companies to take a stand on social issues. Organisations that actively promote inclusion build trust, strengthen customer loyalty, and avoid reputational risks linked to workplace discrimination or inequality.

The benefits of the elevate pledge

Elevate was designed to help employers create truly inclusive workplaces by providing a framework for accountability. It encourages businesses to ask important questions:

• Are we fully reflective of the society we serve?
• Where are the gaps in our workforce?
• What barriers might be preventing diverse talent from joining and staying with our company?

A key element of the Pledge is workforce diversity profiling. Without accurate data, companies cannot identify which groups are underrepresented or what challenges exist in hiring, retention, and career progression. For example, diversity profiling can reveal a lack of women in leadership roles, low representation of ethnic minorities, or an absence of employees with disabilities.

By analysing workforce data, employers can set meaningful, achievable targets for improvement, rather than relying on assumptions or generic DE&I strategies.

Addressing challenges and moving forward

Despite its importance, DE&I efforts are not without criticism. Some employees and stakeholders may see these initiatives as tokenistic or driven by PR rather than genuine commitment. Others argue that policies such as diversity quotas could lead to resentment or perceptions of unfairness. Additionally, businesses may face opposition from social or political groups that challenge DE&I efforts, creating potential reputational risks.

To navigate these challenges, companies must ensure their DE&I initiatives are authentic, transparent, and data-driven. This means:

• Moving beyond symbolic gestures to measurable, impactful actions.
• Holding leadership accountable for diversity and inclusion goals.
• Embedding a DE&I lens into business strategy and operations.
• Implementing bias training and equitable hiring practices.
• Clearly communicating the business case for DE&I to employees and stakeholders.

By taking these steps, companies can reinforce that DE&I benefits everyone and contributes to a stronger, more cohesive workplace.

Join the movement: Sign the elevate pledge

DE&I is more than a trend; it is a long-term commitment to building better workplaces and a better society. By signing up to Elevate: The Inclusive Workplace Pledge, your company demonstrates leadership in fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

A more inclusive workplace drives innovation, strengthens teams, and enhances your company’s reputation.

Join the Elevate Community of over 60 leading employers and help create lasting change for a fairer more inclusive Ireland. Visit www.bitc.ie