While diversity in business is often presented as a lever for performance, inequalities do persist. According to a study by BCG, startups founded by women are 30% less likely to receive support from investors. Discover how businesses can thrive by rethinking the vision of inclusion.

According to a 2019 study by BCG, startups founded by women are 30% less likely to find support from investors. The glass ceiling is still clearly intact. However, since the early 2000s, studies and companies have tackled the issue by promoting the benefits of diversity in the workplace. Where do things stand today, 25 years later?

From correlation to interpretation: diversity gets it right

Researcher Michel Ferrari and  McKinsey were among the first to establish a link between diversity and significant improvements in business performance. Their studies show that the most diverse teams are also the most committed and most productive: teams made up of between 40 to 60% women or men show a notable increase in productivity and commitment, resulting in 23% higher gross margins (Michel Ferrary, 2010) According to their analyses, diversity also impacts employee engagement, company brand image, and customer satisfaction. Other studies also prove that diversity—whether in terms of gender, social and cultural background, or disability—promotes innovation and better team cohesion. In short, the more varied the team members, the better their collective performance!