Dimensions of SME Diversity Inclusion

DARE is here to support Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they need to become more diverse and inclusive to reflect the world they live in today. Embracing various dimensions of diversity in the workplace is crucial for adopting an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. This section and interactive resource highlights key aspects of human identity and diversity, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 8, 9, 10, and 16. If we look at some of the key dimensions of Diversity and Inclusion, we begin to understand just how imperative they are to not just employees but managers, the communities and the economy. Let's look at a couple of examples of just how integrated the dimensions are to how we live, work and play.

• Gender: Women accounted for 46% of total employment in the EU in 2020.
• Age: The employment rate of people aged 55-64 in the EU increased from 38.4% in 2009 to 58.7% in 2019.
• Ability and Disability: Around 15% of the EU population, or 101 million people, has a disability.
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: LGBTQIA+ individuals face significant discrimination, with protections varying across EU countries.
• Religion and Belief Systems: Europe has a diverse religious landscape with Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other religions practiced widely.
• Language: Europe is home to 24 official languages and over 200 spoken languages, making linguistic diversity a key factor.
• Socioeconomic Status: Income inequality remains a concern, with the highest inequality in Bulgaria and the most equal distribution in Slovakia.
• Educational Background: In 2022, over 40% of persons aged 25-34 in the EU completed tertiary education.
• Cognitive and Neurodiversity: About 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, including conditions like dyslexia and ADHD.
• Geographical Diversity: The EU’s 27 member states each offer unique cultural, social, and economic perspectives.
• Family Status: The most numerous types of households in the EU in 2022 were single adult households without children, totalling 71.9 million.

Understanding and embracing these dimensions of diversity can help SMEs create more inclusive and dynamic workplaces. DARE does just this and assists in ensuring a positive work environment and supports key Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. Explore each dimension in the document below to learn how your SME can benefit from and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.