Article Published in the Halifax Chamber of Commerce magazine Business Voice.
The next chapter of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in organizations is being written. The distinction from performative initiatives to systemic change is what will separate successful and thriving organizations that attract top talent from those that are stuck in the status quo and still afraid to engage in systemic change.
But what is driving this transformation?
There are two major factors. Firstly, the market is demanding that organizations, products and services reflect the vibrant and diverse society in which we live. Secondly, the practice of EDI is being professionalized through the introduction of international standards—one in particular, the ISO 30415 (more on this shortly).
A simple Google search will show the shift in consumers’ behaviour and their demand for companies and products to actively work on social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. So, let me talk to you a bit about the ISO and international standards.
Who is the ISO?
They describe themselves as follows: “The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) brings global experts together to agree on the best way of doing things — for anything from making a product to managing a process. The International Standards published by ISO serve to make lives easier, safer and better.”
In 2021, the ISO released the first international standard related to EDI, Human resource management — Diversity and inclusion ISO 30415 (a name that just rolls off the tongue, I know!).
What differentiates this standard from other frameworks out there?
The ISO 30415 standard underwent a decade-long development process, guided by the principles of human rights at work by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is relevant to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequality.
The standard was designed to be measurable and scalable to the needs of all types of organizations. It embeds equity, diversity and inclusion in every part of the organization, therefore decentralizing and democratizing EDI responsibilities.
The Diversity and Inclusion ISO 30415 is revolutionizing how we approach EDI from ad hoc initiatives to a company-wide systemic change. It helps organizations to not only do what is right by their employees, but also creates a system that manages risk and increases the bottom line.
Regardless of the size of your organization, the ISO can support your organization in creating an inclusive work environment where employees feel they belong.
Ventura Collective is proud to have been the first EDI organization in Canada to bring this international standard for organizations. Our co-founders are also part of the Canadian arm of the ISO, the Standards Council of Canada. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion as a systemic change and we have never been more hopeful about its future in organizations and its impact on society at large.
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