Trivium Packaging

Adina Avram

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) are vital to the operation of any business. Yet, many still overlook the power of EDIB strategies. Seventy-eight percent of 18-to–24-year-olds said diversity and inclusion are important to them when job searching in a 2023 YouGov survey. And the business benefits are undeniable. Betterup's research demonstrates that when employees feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, there is: a 56 percent increase in job performance, a 75 percent decrease in sick days, and a 50 percent reduction in turnover risk.

Why, then, aren’t all businesses prioritising EDIB? In the UK, only 67 percent of manufacturers have an EDIB strategy or are planning to implement one. Yet, as an industry, we’re facing an ageing workforce with 78 percent of respondents to a Manufacturing Institute survey indicating that they were very or somewhat concerned about the ageing workforce. The solution to this problem is right in front of us: EDIB.

Putting Edib at the Heart of Your Business

EDIB has been met with backlash globally, but this reaction only proves the value of EDIB's work. Challenging backlash and creating a workplace that supports and uplifts all people and communities is imperative, and businesses cannot waiver from this stance, not only for your people but for the sake of your organisation. Businesses that implement EDIB strategies are statistically more likely to outperform competitors and make better business decisions.

Embarking on a journey to make your workplace equitable, diverse and inclusive, as well as fostering belonging, requires proper investment. It can’t simply be a statement of intent; this must be followed by a clear and transparent pathway, with data collection to track progression. At Trivium, to understand the effectiveness of the strategies we have deployed, we are monitoring data on gender, age and nationality. In the future, we aim to expand our data to other under-represented communities such as LGBTQAI+, neurodivergence, ethnic groups and caregiver status, just to name a few. To drive changes forward, the C-Suite must be at the heart of this journey, setting the standard for how you want your business to be and how your colleagues should act. 

Embracing Neurodiversity in Your Workplace

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging require unique strategies for each element. For example, to create an equitable and inclusive workplace, you must give thought to the need for spaces such as prayer rooms, breastfeeding rooms and accessible toilets.

"Businesses that implement EDIB strategies are statistically more likely to outperform competitors and make better business decisions."

On the other hand, diversity means having a workforce inclusive of differing nationalities, religions, genders, socioeconomic statuses, cultures, and beyond. Within diversity also lies neurodiversity, which refers to the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits.

We (Trivium Packaging) have been working with the Bata Autism Association to integrate neurodiverse individuals into our teams. Bata Autism Association provides us with training and support to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the workforce. By integrating individuals on the autism spectrum, we open up a new degree of innovation, unearthing new perspectives and strengthening our talent acquisition.

Using EDIB to Solve Recruitment Challenges

When 83 percent of Gen Z candidates consider a company’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) an important factor when choosing an employer, it is clear that EDIB is a crucial element in future-proofing manufacturing as our valued colleagues reach retirement age. And EDIB can go far beyond just attracting a new generation of talent. Partnerships like ours with the Bata Autism Association open up new talent pools, enriching company culture and unlocking operational success. EDIB is a crucial factor in a business's longevity, and the sooner organisations realise this, the better it is for their people, business, and society.