Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

The 2024 International Women's Day year's theme, "Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,' resonates deeply with us as we recognise the vital role of diversity in fueling progress.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide this International Women's Day, we're thrilled to share the insightful responses from our team to one crucial question:

Q: In your experience, what impact do diverse and inclusive teams have on innovation and business performance?

The consensus among our team is clear: diverse and inclusive teams are not just beneficial but essential for driving innovation and enhancing business performance. From fostering fresh perspectives to promoting empathy and understanding, diversity fuels creativity and propels us forward.

As we celebrate women's contributions, let's also reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive environments where everyone's voice is valued and heard.

​Together, we can accelerate progress and create a brighter, more equitable future. 

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IPS Voices - International Women's Day 2024

See our team's response to the question:
'In your experience, what impact do diverse and inclusive teams have on innovation and business performance?'

Meet the ips team

Diversity brings new ideas and previously unseen perspectives, which is essential to companies that value innovation. Inclusion matters - there's no point in someone having the best idea in the room if they are too afraid to share it.

I feel more comfortable working in a space that makes me feel safe and accepted. It allows me to bring my whole self to work without fear that who I am is a barrier.

Diverse and inclusive teams bring rich and varied views, experiences and skills together to tackle challenges and create change. This is important, because it is life experiences of a problem that are critical to providing the insight needed to find a solution.

Enhance the richness of innovation and increases performance due to the difference in perspectives, backgrounds, ideas, opinions and experiences etc. These come together to allow people and organisations to expand their thinking, beliefs and values that adds to being able to further creativity and productivity.

As an Indigenous woman, I've seen firsthand how diverse teams can bridge cultural gaps and build stronger connections with clients and communities. This cultural competency not only enhances business relationships but also opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Ultimately, embracing diversity and inclusion isn't just about doing what's right, it's also about smart business strategy. Companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion are better positioned to adapt to changing markets, anticipate emerging trends, and stay ahead of the competition in today's dynamic and interconnected world.

Taking the time to develop an inclusive team environment pays dividends. It creates a sense of trust and motivation to hear different perspectives. People feel like they share out-of-the-box ideas amongst a receptive audience. In my experience, these ideas have been the cornerstone to innovation and new opportunities.

Diverse and inclusive teams, bring a more unique background, experiences and viewpoints to the table. This fosters creativity and innovation by allowing the team to approach problems from multiple angles and generate a wide range of ideas. Teams that are diverse are better equipped to tackle complex problems and find innovative solutions, identifying blind spots, challenging assumptions and considering alternative approaches.

Inclusive environments promote a sense of belonging and engagement among team members. When employees feel valued and included, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work, leading to increased productivity. Different viewpoints encourage a broader range of ideas, sparking creativity and fostering an environment where novel solutions can emerge.

Imagine a business where everyone thinks and operates the same? Where there are no challenges into the way things are done or the way we think. Boring! It is only when businesses have a diversified workforce that help people safely be pushed outside their comfort zones, do we see businesses and people truly innovate, thrive, and grow. Now that is a business I want to work in.

Bringing women into different teams is a smart choice for any business. It's not just the right thing to do but also brings real benefits. When women have equal chances, everyone wins. It means stronger teams and better results. By supporting women's equality, companies can grow in exciting ways, creating a better future for all.