Clients agree, equal representation is a business priority

Representation of women, particularly in decision-making positions help businesses to stay innovative and inclusive. In fact, according to a 2018 report by McKinsey, gender diversity in executive teams is strongly correlated with profitability and value creation. Diverse companies are also 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. It’s essential for business continuity too – a study by Josh Bersin found that inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their field.

It’s what clients, and their customers are looking for

By 2025, millennials will comprise approximately three-quarters of the global workforce (EY: Global Generations). This gives rise to a new customer base, one that’s increasingly more vocal about being part of the dialogue around social issues such as prioritizing diversity and inclusion; and distancing themselves from companies that don’t. The COVID-19 pandemic and virtual working have made the world more globalized, but also, amplified the fragmentation that exists.

With these shifting customer demographics and research on the value that a diversified workforce brings organizations, clients are embracing diversity and inclusion as an essential contributor to their growth. In fact, 87% of organizations globally already recognize diversity as a stated value or priority (PwC survey). And they expect it to be at the forefront of their partners’ agendas too - many clients are already expanding criteria around this in their contracts.

“Arcadis’ ability to bring diverse teams and diverse thoughts is very important to us.”

Fortunately, we have a strong purpose: improving quality of life. We share values of contributing to a greater purpose in the world. This reflects not just in our policy around diversity and inclusion, but also the strategic 2021-2023 goal we’ve set for more than 40% women representation in the workplace.

We’ve committed to embedding this in our culture, client conversations and through the work we do.

Diversity and inclusion doesn’t only benefit women, but also the company

Katherine Viveros, Design & Engineering Project Manager, Arcadis Chile

Over my 24 years of experience, mainly in the mining sector, I’ve worked across various roles, managing pre-feasibility to detailed engineering for some of our most important clients; including in recent years, overseeing the Tailings Deposit Feasibility Design for the NuevaUnion project.

I see companies increasingly looking at ‘next steps’ they can take with their policies to support long-term diversity; not just to create an inclusive culture that attracts talent, but also to take strategic measures that create equitable conditions benefitting all employees.

Companies are realizing that flexible work is critical to attracting talented women who need to balance their careers with caring for their families. In this context, many of our clients have updated their policies and in recent months, some have also asked us to report on the percentage of women working on projects with them. This reflects their desire to partner with organizations that share the same vision when it comes to gender parity and non-discrimination. As a mother of four children (and a puppy!), who leads a team of 12 project managers, this really resonates with me.

Arcadis Chile has always had significant female representation, so participation in projects has been considerably high. In fact, the best projects I have carried out or led, have always comprised of mixed teams with different points of views, so I can say for sure that diversity delivers creativity, success and highly committed teams. 

I #ChooseToChallenge myself and my peers to raise awareness around the the importance of having inclusive teams, because I believe in the value it brings to our society. I really hope to inspire others!