Diversity is a major force of innovation. A small gender gap. A welcoming culture towards immigrants. Giving responsibility to young people. Respect towards experienced older employees. All this attitudes help your company to actually see the opportunities which are all arond you.
Gender Gap, Immigration and the mass market.
We live in an ever more complicated world. Mass markets are dying – instead we get millions of micromarkets. In a few years 3D printing will enable consumers to build nearly every product themselves. When this happens your company needs creative and personalized ideas to sell. Blueprints will be your service. Not a standard product.
As a company you should embrace this trend as an opportunity to innovate. “Hans hires Hänschen” was the concept of the mass market. Scared managers hired people who they saw as no threat to themselves. Top managers hire people who are better than themselves – but in a different area.
Enter diversity. 51% of all people in Germany are women. 1/3 of all people under 20 are immigrants. They are your customers today. Look around your office: How many women, immigrants and young people are there? How many are in a position of influence? How much does it cost your company if their voice isn’t heared?
Germany ranks 15th in equality for women
Our economy needs a mindset that embraces change as a change to innovate. The schwabian “Tüftler” who constantly works on his product to get ever better. By not giving power to immigrants and women we leave a lot of great ideas on the table. Unfortunally Germany is not getting more open – but more closed. According to a new paper by the world economic forum the Gender Gap in Germany is increasing – not closing. Still: Germany is ranked 15th worldwide when it comes to equal opportunities for women. Countries like Nicaragua and the Philippines rank higher than Germany.
Closing the Gender Gap: Best practices
It is up to your company to create an equal workplace. The world economic forum created this list of best practices to close the gender gap. These ideas are good for women as well as for immigrants. And for your company.
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