Is Diversity Really Worth It?
5 Data-Backed Reasons for Diversity.
Welcome to The Inclusion Room Beyond Borders – a space where literature, science, and storytelling unlock the power of diversity.
Dear Readers,
Somedays ago I heard someone say:
"I don’t see the point of diversity".
After a moment of astonishment, I pulled myself together and I stepped into the tunnel of explanations.
I shared how diverse workplaces aren’t just fairer, they make people happier, more open, more creative…
Diversity fosters innovation, strengthens teams, and boosts performance…
All the usual buzzwords, yes!
After all, isn’t it always better to have diverse opinions around the table? Isn’t that just common sense?!
I was exhausted.
But still, my interlocutor wasn’t convinced. He craved numbers, examples, and facts!
Have you already faced this kind of conversation?
Today, I want to share concrete, measurable examples with you. So next time you hear this question, you’ll have solid, undeniable answers.
Because diversity isn’t just ‘nice-to-have’, it’s a game-changer!
Photo Alexander Grey- Unsplash
1. Innovation and Performance.
Diversity isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business: The IBM Case
IBM’s bold initiative in 19951 proved that embracing inclusion drives both workforce transformation and financial success.
The initiative included the creation of eight task forces, each focused on a different group: asians; blacks; LGBTQ+; Hispanics; white men; Native Americans; people with disabilities; and women.
These task forces were built on a simple truth:
Who better to understand customers and talents from a minority group than people from those very groups?
As a result, the number of female executives increased by 370%, and ethnic minority executives born in the U.S. rose by 233%. The representation of self-identified LGBTQ+ executives grew by 733%, and executives with disabilities more than tripled.
This diversity not only expanded the talent pool but also led to substantial business gains.
For instance, the women and other group’s task force contributed to IBM's Market Development organization, which generated over $300 million in revenue in 2001, compared with $10 million in 1998.
In 2001, the disabilities task force went beyond mere legal compliance, recognizing accessibility as a business opportunity.
With 750 million disabled people worldwide and a collective buying power of $461 billion—plus a rapidly aging population—the demand for accessible technology was surging, unlocking a massive market!
Other gains include the establishment of employee network groups and the EXITE (Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) camps, which have reached thousands of young girls to encourage their interest in science and technology.
2. Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange isn't just about broadening horizons—it's a powerful driver of growth.
Sofia Corradi, affectionately known as "Mother Erasmus," conceived the Erasmus program to transform European students into curious individuals capable of embracing differences. Her vision has profoundly impacted higher education and cultural exchange across Europe.
By 20232, Erasmus+ has enabled around 15 million people to study, train, and work abroad.
In 2022 alone3, it supported 26,000 projects and over a million learning opportunities, backed by a €4 billion budget.
Beyond enriching personal experiences, Erasmus has a tangible impact on careers—participants are more likely to find employment and earn higher salaries.
I’m part of the wave of foreign students who began their journey abroad through this program.
I arrived in France about 18 years ago for an Erasmus experience.
I was supposed to stay for six months: pass the exams, have the experience, and then go back home.
But life had other plans. What started as a short-term Erasmus stay turned into an open-ended expat life!
More than just an exchange program, Erasmus is a bridge between cultures, shaping a generation that sees diversity as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Photo Nathan Dumlao Unsplash
3. Personal Stories and Experiences
Diversity in literature isn’t just about representation—it’s about perspective.
Personal narratives bring multiple dimensions of diversity to life, making them relatable and impactful.
They reveal the individuals behind stereotypes and statistics, reminding us that every story holds its own depth.
A lack of diversity in storytelling risks trapping us in a single narrative. When the same story is told over and over again, it shapes how people are perceived—until it becomes the only story4.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says, "The single story robs people of dignity."
Diversity in Literature, it’s about seeing the world through the eyes, hearts, and experiences of others. Different perspectives can open new paths, spark possibilities, and create spaces where everyone can recognize something of themselves. This is an antidote to loneliness.
In The Inclusion Room Beyond Borders, you can share your story of identity, migration and belonging.
Because the more stories we tell, the more we embrace the true complexity of the world around us.
4. Language as a Bridge
Diversity in language isn’t just about communication—it’s about understanding the world through different cultural lenses.
Language is a key connector across cultures. Multilingualism not only facilitates communication but also fosters empathy by allowing people to understand others' cultural contexts better.
For those who, like me, have lived in different countries and interacted with diverse cultures, multilingualism adds colourful tiles to the identity mosaic.
Various studies 5 have shown that each language represents not only a channel of communication but, above all, a way of thinking and seeing the world.
Multilingualism is a true superpower, an incredible skill that makes individuals more adaptable and culturally aware. It’s an asset that employers should actively seek in candidates!
5. Story and Culture
Diversity isn’t just about ethnicity or nationality— it’s about understanding the history and cultural exchanges that shape our built environment.
In architecture diverse cultural influences have shaped iconic structures worldwide.
A perfect example of this can be found in the Alhambra in Spain, a stunning architectural marvel that goes beyond its beauty to reflect Spain’s rich, diverse cultural heritage.
The Alhambra embodies the interactions between Muslim and Christian communities.
Originally built as a Moorish palace, its design is deeply rooted in Islamic architecture. Later, Christian elements were introduced, especially during the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods. This fusion of styles highlights how diversity shapes both the structure and the meaning of this iconic landmark.
In 2023, the Alhambra and the Generalife in Granada set a new visitor record, exceeding 2.6 million visitors, marking a 9% increase from the previous year.
The first time I saw the Alhambra, it was a hot day in late June. Even though we had booked our tickets in advance, we still had to wait under the strong sun for what felt like forever!
But it was absolutely worth it. I still remember the sensation of stepping into another dimension—surrounded by breathtaking beauty and intricate shapes. I didn’t want to miss a single detail!
Photo by Izuddin Helmi-Adnan Unsplash
Because diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it's the foundation of progress. Let’s keep sharing, embracing, and pushing for a world where every voice is heard and every story matters.
Got more examples to celebrate diversity? Share them in the comments and let's keep this conversation going!
Thanks for reading The Inclusion Room Beyond Borders. I look forward to seeing you in the next post!
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk on the "danger of a single story".
How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky TED
I cannot even begin to imagine a world without diversity. I wonder is the person you overheard even realises that they, themselves are, well .. unique. Diversity goes beyond race or protected characteristics. It's us.
DEI has become a curse word in conservative circles, but that just demonstrates how clueless they are…Diversity is a strength in all dimensions.
Explore the world of genetics and you will quickly learn that a healthy gene pool demands diversity, that the more homogeneous a gene pool becomes the higher the risk of birth defects and long term health problems.
Explore the world of metals, in creating super materials multiple materials are woven together to create something stronger.
Explore community dynamics, the communities that are the most successful are the ones that unite multiple cultures.
Finally look to the cooking world. The foods that win awards, that get rave reviews are the ones that combine spices into a taste melody.
Diversity always makes us stronger.