AfricaSokoni Core Values: Diversity

Have you ever wondered if your workplace is Diverse? Or if it is inclusive? Would you know what to look out for? Do you know the pros and cons of working in a diverse work environment?

A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the workplace.

Diversity focuses on the makeup of your workforce — demographics such as gender, race/ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation, just to name a few, and inclusion is a measure of culture that enables diversity to thrive.

Diversity is the “what”; inclusion is the “how.”

At Africasokoni, diversity as a Core Value is highly encouraged. With a team of roughly 52 people, varying gender, age, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, languages, education, & different abilities are all very well represented.

Here is why Diversity is important to us:

1. Greater innovation and creativity

Having a working environment filled with employees of different backgrounds, skills, experiences and knowledge means that there is an increase in innovative and creative ideas. Employees here feel comfortable sharing their ideas with others & this in turn helps our business stand out from those businesses that still function with only ‘one voice’.

2. Diversity provides a range of skills

Having a diverse team brings new perspectives to the table, which can lead to better problem-solving, more effective policies, and higher-quality products and services.

3. The business will be boosted

Diversity and inclusion are important factors that many people look for when accepting a job offer; when people see that our company has people from all backgrounds, they are likely to accept working with us and feel more welcomed. This allows our company to hire the best talent.

4. We have Happier employees

Working in an environment that promotes diversity and inclusivity makes our employees feel happier to be at work which will reflect in the work produced. Our employees thrive in their job roles and opportunities will arise, allowing the business to also thrive overall which equals success!

5. Increased productivity

Teamwork can increase productivity in business. With a diverse team, they can provide their range of experiences and skills and allow other co-workers to learn and work well together.

Having a diverse and inclusive team has not only benefitted our company internally but also, it has trickled to our customers/potential customers. This is because we are able to market our business to those from different backgrounds that reflect those that are already working.

“When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” — Ava DuVernay