Why DEIB is a Business Imperative: Key Insights from the 2024 Canadian Marketing Association Report
The Canadian Marketing Association's (CMA) 2024 report, DEI in the Canadian Marketing Sector: Polarization, Ageism and Mounting Frustration, reveals critical insights into the current state of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within Canada's marketing profession. The findings underscore the urgent need for organizations to prioritize DEIB initiatives to foster inclusive workplaces and drive meaningful change.
Key Findings from the CMA's 2024 DEI Report:
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Workplace Polarization Impacts Engagement: A significant 73% of marketers report that polarization affects their workplace behavior, leading to increased self-censorship and reduced social interactions. This trend is especially pronounced among women and in organizations lacking diverse leadership teams. Such environments can stifle open communication and collaboration, ultimately hindering employee engagement and productivity.
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Ageism and Intersectionality Pose Career Challenges: The report highlights that over a third (38%) of marketers have observed layoffs disproportionately affecting specific groups, notably women and men over 55. Additionally, nearly half (47%) of marginalized women have experienced microaggressions at work, with 54% feeling they must work harder to be treated equally. These issues are less prevalent in organizations with well-diversified leadership, emphasizing the role inclusive leadership plays in mitigating discrimination.
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Stagnation in Leadership Diversity: Despite ongoing DEI efforts, diversity within leadership teams has remained largely unchanged since 2021. This stagnation suggests that more proactive measures are necessary to cultivate diverse leadership, which is crucial for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and enhancing employee retention.
The Business Case for DEIB:
Implementing robust DEIB policies is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Organizations with diverse leadership are better positioned to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and reflect the diverse markets they serve. Moreover, inclusive workplaces are linked to higher employee satisfaction and retention, reducing costs associated with turnover and recruitment.
Moving Forward:
The CMA's findings serve as a clarion call for the marketing profession to intensify DEIB efforts. Organizations should assess their current DEIB strategies, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted initiatives to address issues such as workplace polarization and ageism. By doing so, they can create environments where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute fully.
For organizations seeking to enhance their DEIB initiatives, specialized training programs can provide the necessary tools and insights to drive meaningful change. Explore our comprehensive DEIB training solutions designed to support your organization's journey toward inclusivity.
Learn more about our DEIB training programs.