A recent report has shown issues such as diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important to businesses, although more could still be done.
The study, commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Bernard Hodes Group, found 70% of the 370 HR and diversity professionals questioned said issues regarding diversity were discussed at board level within their organisation.
Some 64% said senior directors took charge of company diversity policy, or appointed themselves as diversity champions.
However, whilst 83% of respondents said their company had taken measures to combat issues relating to diversity, only 40% of respondents said they use key performance indicators to measure success.
Of those who do, the effect of these schemes was mainly measured through employee surveys and demographic data.
Dianah Worman, the CIPD’s Public Policy Advisor for diversity and inclusion, stressed the importance of communication between HR and executives on such issues.
She said: “Having the top team on board is very important, and there is an indication that greater expertise is needed in putting together the business case to get the attention of top leaders.
“HR needs to be business savvy and make diversity and inclusion interventions stick by understanding how they can support the business to move forward.”
The research also showed diversity strategies were employed across many different areas. The most common issues covered were bullying and harassment, interview and assessment and candidate attraction.