Harmony Week: Why Diversity is Key to Startup Success

At Allied Legal we are celebrating Harmony Day by highlighting the importance of workplace diversity. Harmony Day, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, is a celebration of cultural inclusivity and respect. It centres on the message that “everyone belongs” regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, and so on.

Startups who recognise the value of a diverse team are those best equipped for success. Australian laws protects against the discrimination of people on the basis of a number of protected attributes, and startup founders are therefore also responsible for ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace. Founders can do this by hiring a diverse management team, developing permanent training programs and policies, and understanding the diverse needs of each team member.

A diverse and multicultural startup brings many advantages including:

• An Increased Network of Clients: founders should take advantage of the languages and skills a multicultural team contributes, particularly as it opens doors to new markets. Additionally, clients are more likely to purchase your offering if they can see that they are being represented.
• A Productive Workplace: each startup team member will have a different idea, approach or perspective, which helps to boost your startup’s performance and day-to-day operations.
• Increased Creativity: your diverse startup team members may have creative solutions to your startup’s problems. Alternatively, they may contribute new ideas to best sell or market your offering.
• Positive Reputation: developing a unique and profitable product or service is no longer enough. Clients want startups to be environmentally and socially conscious. Thus, consumers want to invest in startups who are overtly tolerant and inclusive of all backgrounds.

Integral to the success of any startup is the team it is made up of. The inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds is crucial to the nutrition and sustainability of a workplace, as each individual brings with them a wealth of unique experiences and skills.

Need Help? Contact Us

At Allied Legal we are committed to working with startups and founders from all walks of life and backgrounds. If you want to contact one of our startup lawyers or learn more about our services, give us a call on 03 8691 3111 or send us an email at hello@alliedlegal.com.au.

You might also like our article International Women’s Day: Celebrating Female Founders.