Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The Journey and Your Business COVER STORY BY CORLISS GARNER, OLD NATIONAL BANK Like many companies throughout the U.S., Old National Bank recognizes that maintaining a firm commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a powerful differentiator and a key to our continued success. Strong Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs and policies help organizations like ours attract, develop and retain top talent by building a culture of inclusion where differences are not just welcomed, but also celebrated. They also help contribute to the sustainability of a more just and equitable society through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism, partnerships, lending and investments. Additionally, they foster social responsibility and help ensure that companies remain focused on sound, sustainable business practices. I’m pleased to share that the majority of U.S. adults recognize and value the positive effects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on the workplace. In a recent survey by Ipsos, 71% of respondents said they want Diversity, Equity & Inclusion resources within their organization and believe Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training is important to “creating a positive workplace culture.” It is also important to note that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a journey, not a destination. Rather than being viewed as an “add-on” to other efforts within an organization, it works best as an integrated, highly collaborative approach that reaches into every corner of how you do business. With this in mind, I want to share a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Roadmap that I believe can help your company develop an approach that is meaningful for your business, no matter where you are along the journey. The Journey What began as the implementation of the 1960s civil rights legislation into workplace policies focusing mostly on race and gender, has evolved into what we now know as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, top businesses began to focus less on compliance with laws and more on creating an inclusive culture where all aspects of diversity are treated fairly and where all employees feel as if they belong. Today, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has become more important to a financial institution’s critical stakeholders – from shareholders, clients and community members to the team members who serve them. Banks can no longer afford to put off investing in their culture, workplace diversity and talent pool. The evolution, and subsequent importance, of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has made it the driver for better business results for financial institutions. Do your employees, from executive leadership to entry level roles, reflect the diversity and lived experience of your client base? Do they understand the unique cultural richness of the communities you serve? If not, your company may not be maximizing the return on investment in its most important asset: your employees. If your frontline decision-making teams reflect a diverse and inclusive culture, then you are likely among the 75% of companies that exceed their financial targets (Gartner, 2022). Adding to this success, gender-diverse and inclusive teams outperformed less-inclusive teams by 50% on average (Gartner, 2022). 10 HOOSIERBANKER
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