In just seven years, only a third of the workforce will be male and under 45, according to labour market projections. The Employers Skills Survey 2002, reveals that 16% of all establishments with five or more employees find it hard to fill vacancies. Examples of this in Scotland include the construction industry.
There are clearly competitive benefits to be gained by employers who take every step to ensure they recruit from the widest available talent pool. A diverse team will also bring different talents to the workplace - these enhance the ability of a business to innovate and thus maintain a competitive edge. This will result in better recruitment and retention of employees as well as better staff morale and performance.
If discrimination and unfair treatment can be reduced, that can have a knock-on effect on grievances and relations in general within the organisation. That, in turn can reduce absenteeism and labour turnover by enhancing employees' attachment to the organisation and can have a positive on labour productivity.
Clearly, a business that embraces diversity in the workforce as a business strategy to maximise skills and experience from all categories of employees will project a positive public image in the community and, as result, to their customers.
Check out the Business Benefits further on the DTI website.