{"id":70022,"date":"2022-05-13T17:03:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T15:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=70022"},"modified":"2026-01-29T17:55:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:55:07","slug":"diversity-equity-inclusion-less-talk-more-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/diversity-equity-inclusion-less-talk-more-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Less talk. More action."},"content":{"rendered":"
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South Africa is a hub of diversity. We have different cultures, races, and languages that make our workforce almost unstoppable \u2013 or so it should. What\u2019s often missing is the right approach to managing diversity in business.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where equity and inclusion come in.<\/p>\n

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are the key ingredients to creating a fair and prosperous working environment. Without it, your company culture might as well be non-existent.<\/p>\n

But what is <\/em>DEI, and why is it so important?<\/p>\n

In this article, we explore what DEI means, why it\u2019s important, and the current state of DEI in South African businesses.<\/p>\n

The difference between diversity, equity, and inclusion<\/h2>\n

Diversity<\/h3>\n

Diversity is all the characteristics that make us unique. It includes race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, language, age, etc. It\u2019s what differentiates you from the person across the room.<\/p>\n

South Africa is the perfect example of diversity. It has been dubbed the \u201crainbow nation\u201d because of its many different cultures, languages, and religions. We\u2019re all different in our own right, making equity and inclusion all the more critical.<\/p>\n

Equity<\/h3>\n

Equity stems from the word \u201cequal\u201d and relates to the fair treatment, access, opportunities, and advancement of everyone. In business, it goes a bit deeper than merely giving everyone the same <\/em>treatment.<\/p>\n

Equity is often confused with equality, but they are not the same thing. Equality means providing the same support and opportunities, regardless of people\u2019s skills, needs, or abilities.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s Employment Equity Act<\/a> aims to ensure that everyone enjoys equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace. It protects employers from discrimination by their employer and ensures that all employees are treated fairly.<\/p>\n

Equity, on the other hand, means tailoring support based on people\u2019s abilities and needs. With equity, a company recognises that each employee has varying access to resources and privileges and that those with less access may need more help to make the most of opportunities in the company.<\/p>\n

Inclusion<\/h3>\n

Inclusion is when people feel safe in an environment that feels unfamiliar at first \u2013 like walking into the home of someone from a different culture and instantly feeling welcome.<\/p>\n

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In the workplace, an inclusive culture is one where people feel safe speaking up, speaking out, and offering different perspectives on things \u2013 without fear of judgement or discrimination.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

More specifically, inclusion is where business leaders remove barriers, discrimination, and intolerances, and encourage the diverse workforce to engage, contribute, and participate in the workplace.<\/p>\n

Think of it this way<\/h2>\n

You have three employees, all from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages (diversity) working in the same accounting office.<\/p>\n

When a promotion opportunity comes up, you can\u2019t choose a candidate based on their diversity but rather on their performance and suitability for the new role. All three are good at their respective positions and should be given a fair opportunity to apply for the new role, regardless of their abilities and capabilities (equity).<\/p>\n

However, you also need to be mindful that other people in the business, some of whom might be in a different department \u00ad\u2013 like Kabelo in marketing who is also a finance whizz \u2013 might also like a shot at something new. So, you advertise the new position and invite anyone in the company to apply (inclusion).<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just comply, add value<\/h2>\n

According to CHRO South Africa<\/a>, DEI in the workplace has evolved beyond the traditional ways we\u2019re more or less familiar with \u2013 there are layers. And without addressing these layers, businesses will lose talent.<\/p>\n

The effects of DEI on business success and performance<\/em><\/p>\n

According to Deloitte<\/a>, organisations with a DEI workplace are:<\/p>\n