Diversity & Inclusion

Question 1

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 1

The underlying attitudes and stereotypes that people unconsciously attribute to another person or group of people that affect how they understand and engage with a person or group.

Question 2

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Answer 2

Diversity - the characteristics and things that make us all different.
Inclusion - making everyone feel welcome.

Question 3

What are the benefits to a diverse team?

Answer 3

• Increased creativity and innovation
• Enhanced problem-solving and decision making
• Strengthened skill sets
• Boosted profits and revenue
• Heightened employee engagement
• Improved company reputation
• Strengthened team morale.

Question 4

Do you know of any reports on Diversity by the RICS?

Answer 4

Building Inclusivity - Laying the Foundation for the Future

Question 5

You say you’ve read Building Inclusivity - Laying the Foundation for the Future. What were the highlights?

Answer 5

• Current State of D&I: The report reveals that while there is a strong commitment to D&I within the sector, many organizations are still in the early stages of their inclusivity journey. Although there is ambition and senior-level support, there is a noticeable lack of structured planning, implementation, and monitoring necessary for tangible progress.
• Online Platform Initiative: To address identified gaps, RICS announced the launch of an online platform in the summer of 2016. This platform is designed around six core principles of their D&I work and aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices, learning from case studies, and providing access to relevant training, events, and awards.
• Call to Action: The report encourages firms to assess their current D&I practices, identify challenges, and engage with peers to foster a more inclusive industry. By leveraging shared knowledge and experiences, organizations can drive meaningful change across the sector.