Research from Lloyds Bank, ahead of International Women’s Day, found almost two thirds (60%) of businesses in Yorkshire plan to introduce new policies and training to improve inclusivity in the workplace – and one in four (25%) plan to act in the next six months.
The survey found that firms in Yorkshire plan to prioritise joining inclusivity schemes (37%) as they strive to build a more inclusive working environment. Almost one in three intend to train their staff on diversity and inclusion (32%) while a similar proportion (30%) intend to hire a more diverse team.
But for many businesses, delivering their plans will require external support and guidance. Almost two fifths (38%) said they need access to specialist HR skills, while nearly a third (30%) said financial incentives from government would help with their progress towards building a more inclusive workforce. Peer-to-peer support was cited by more than one in four (27%) as essential to help them move forward.
Steve Harris, area director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank, said: “It’s great to see that the majority of firms in Yorkshire are concentrating on building a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Bringing in training and support from peers and networks will help as businesses strive to create workplaces that represent the communities they serve across the region and beyond. We’ll be by the side of businesses, and sharing our learnings on this important topic, as we all work towards building the economy of the future.”
