Intelligent Fin.tech Issue 18 | Page 46

REGIONAL REVIEW

diversity are 11 % more likely to report that they can ‘ be themselves ’ at work , which likely encourages them to engage and contribute . Additionally , employees tend to feel less like ‘ outsiders ’ in the workplace .
In Latin America , specifically , investment in diversity has proven to be an even more advantageous strategy .
According to McKinsey ’ s research conducted across six countries in the region , companies that prioritise gender , racial , and sexual orientation diversity tend to significantly outperform financially those that do not .
In Brazil , Argentina , Chile , Colombia , Peru and Panama , corporations with greater gender diversity have a 55 % greater chance of achieving superior financial results compared to the sector average .
This increase in EBIT margin ( earnings before interest and taxes ) underscores the positive impact that diversity can have on the profitability and sustainability of companies in the region .
Investing in diversity and inclusion yields financial gains and fosters an innovative organisational culture .
Companies in Latin America are embracing diversity as a strategic business move , recognising its capacity to drive innovation , enhance decisionmaking , and cultivate a more productive work atmosphere .
By harnessing the varied experiences , perspectives , and skills of diverse individuals , companies can effectively address complex challenges and cater to a broader customer demographic .
A clear example is Natura , a Brazilian cosmetics company , which saw a 16 % increase in innovation and a 24 % improvement in employee satisfaction due to these initiatives .
Similarly , Mercado Livre , the leading Argentine e-commerce platform in the region , has implemented diversity and inclusion policies , resulting in more collaborative teams , higher talent retention and better financial performance .
A notable example was a 35 % increase in talent retention in areas where their diversity policies were effectively implemented .
These examples demonstrate how investment in diversity not only strengthens companies ’ competitiveness but also contributes to their sustainability in the global market . �
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