Cognitive diversity refers to including people with different problem-solving styles and perspectives based on their unique backgrounds and experiences. A diverse and inclusive culture can enhance innovation by 20% and reduce risks by up to 30%, while 75% of organizations with diverse decision-makers exceed financial targets. Embracing diversity through recruitment, leadership, education, and employee support programs helps unlock unconscious biases and enrich lives.

1. Diversity and
Inclusion
We are all connected!

2. What is Diversity?
• While commonly thought of in terms
of ethnic or racial diversity, or
identity diversity, what we are really
striving for is cognitive diversity.
Cognitive diversity is the inclusion of
people who have different styles of
problem-solving and can offer
unique perspectives because they
think differently. They think
differently because they come from
different backgrounds and bring with
them different experiences.

3. Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion
• A Deloitte report found that cognitively and demographically diverse teams can enhance innovation by 20% and identify/reduce risks by up to 30%
• Gartner predicts that through 2022, 75% of organizations that boast of a diverse and inclusive culture among frontline decision-makers will exceed
their financial targets
• In 2019, IBM announced its effort to embrace neurodiversity by hiring high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The company stated that "Neurodiverse people approach problems differently and have to think harder to get around what the rest of us accept”
Variety of
different
perspectives
Higher
innovation
Increased
creativity
Faster
problem-
solving
Increased
profits
Better
decision
making
Higher
employee
engagement
Reduced
employee
turnover
Improved
hiring results
Better
company
reputation
Top 10 benefits
of workplace diversity

4. Unlocking Unconscious Bias
• Harvard’s Project Implicit Project- an online resource to determine unconscious bias
• On-line training programs around unconscious bias- there are many good resources available
• Discussion groups that speak openly and freely

5. Delivering on Diversity by Elevating Each Other
Recruitment specific to minority venues
Newsletter showcasing employees from diverse
backgrounds
Video on website - showcasing a diverse
workforce and a day in the life

6. Cultural Curiosity
Book Club Cultural
Music
Cultural Potluck
Fund Raising
at Ethnic Restaurants

7. Inspirational Leadership
• Create a safe space for cognitive and cultural diversity- learn how to listen without judging
• Mentorship programs- set up opportunities for your team to mentor youth and young adults
• Diversity Council
• Internship programs- where students can get real world experience

8. Enriching Lives
Floating Holidays
that allow for
employees to
recognize holidays
of importance to
them
Speaker series
exploring topics that
are of interest to
everyone gaining a
better understanding
of differing
perspectives
Health Insurance
with a focus on
minority health
issues
Employee monetary
giving opportunities
to a corporate cause
through a microsite
or one that is
meaningful to them
Employee non-
monetary giving
opportunities- maybe
the whole company
takes a day to give
back