Benefits

Consumers and employees want to know your company cares about racial justice. The data is clear this is becoming a core aspect for why candidates might choose to work for a company. Many want to participate in a workplace committed to DEI efforts and have a sense of belonging.

There are countless reasons to engage in racial equity work. Here are just a few:

Create a thriving, inclusive workplace culture

We all want to work at companies where we have a sense of belonging, and where the culture is inclusive of all identities. Taking action toward culture change can make your business a better place to work for People of Color and for all employees.

For example: A Great Place to Work study showed “much higher revenue growth at organizations where all employees have a great experience, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization… [T]hese inclusive organizations enjoy more than three times the revenue growth of less inclusive peers.”

Cost savings & the bottom line

Consumers and employees want to know your company cares about the world and your business. The data is clear that inaction will cost your bottom line in numerous ways.

For example: Organizations in the top 25% for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians.

Align business mission with impact

Businesses have the chance to be on the right side of history—and a good way to create sustained impact is by aligning impact and mission. This also makes efforts authentic and actionable.

For example: 80% of business professionals believe businesses have a responsibility to look beyond profit and make a positive impact on society

Join leaders in the market

Hundreds of businesses in Portland and beyond are already tracking environmental, social, governance (ESG), corporate social responsibility (CSR), or benefit corporation (B-Corp) efforts. These efforts are gaining movement nationwide.

For example: Goldman Sachs will no longer take a company public in the U.S. and Europe if it has an all white male board.

Inform strategic decision making

Customers, investors and business partners today want to know that businesses are doing more than providing a product or service. They look for companies that are doing good. This work can help shape decision making to open up to new markets.