OVER my 23-year tenure in human resources (HR), I have witnessed a transformative shift in how diversity intersects with our field. Initially, HR and diversity seemed to run on parallel tracks with just occasional points of convergence. Today, the landscape is dramatically different.

Historically, the corporate landscape was governed by conventional norms, with a predominant emphasis on financial incentives, often within male-dominated settings. But as we have evolved, so too has our perspective within HR. Our objectives have expanded beyond mere numerical targets — we are now deeply invested in nurturing and retaining talent, underlining a commitment to inclusivity that goes hand in hand with technological advancements, and a push toward gender balance.

Reflecting on the past year, I have noticed intriguing patterns in gender distribution across various levels within our organization. At the entry-level, women hold 62 percent of the roles, surpassing men. This dynamic shifts as we look up the hierarchy. At the mid-level, 27 percent of men are in these roles, slightly trailing behind women at 35 percent.

However, as we ascend to senior positions, a noticeable shift occurs: women represent 9 percent, with men slightly behind at 7 percent. In upper management, men lead with 4 percent while women hold 2 percent of these positions. At the apex of our organizational structure, the gap widens further: 4 percent of men hold top-tier roles compared to 1 percent for women.

These figures prompt critical reflection on our internal forces at work. Why is it that women, while starting strong at the junior level, are not advancing at the same rate to senior management and executive roles? This question is not just about numbers — it is about the underlying factors that influence these trends and what they signify about our progress toward a truly inclusive workplace.

A closer look at senior management

The "Women in Business 2024" report sheds light on an inspiring trend in the Philippines where women are significantly represented in senior management roles, accounting for over 43 percent — a figure that has oscillated between 37 percent and 50 percent for the last two decades. This statistic is a beacon of progress, yet when we scrutinize the upper echelons of leadership, the numbers become less encouraging: only 19 percent of chief executive officers (CEOs) or managing director positions and 17 percent of chief operating officer roles are held by women.

In the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), the leadership baton is predominantly held by men, with male CEOs constituting 73.5 percent of the total. This dominance in the highest leadership roles by men, particularly in steering DE&I initiatives, underscores a critical need. It is essential to amplify the presence and voices of women in senior management to cultivate an environment that truly embodies DE&I principles. While progress is evident, the journey toward balancing the leadership scales and ensuring that women's perspectives are an integral part of such strategies remain imperative.

Valuing diversity through inclusive practices

Embracing diverse perspectives is not just beneficial — it is essential for businesses aiming to foster an environment where every employee feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. A critical insight from a Forbes article highlights that the role of HR extends beyond attracting diverse talent — it is equally crucial to focus on talent retention, ensuring that employees feel valued and see opportunities for growth within the company. This inclusive culture can significantly impact employees' career trajectories, potentially paving the way for them to ascend to higher roles.

Yet the journey to the top can be fraught with obstacles, particularly for women who often grapple with societal expectations around traditional gender roles. In many Filipino families, culturally based responsibilities like household management, childcare and caregiving disproportionately burden women, hindering their professional advancement. Addressing these entrenched norms is vital for creating a more equitable workplace.

The adoption of hybrid work models in the Philippines, as highlighted by the "Women in Business 2024" report, marks a progressive step toward balancing professional and personal lives, especially post-pandemic. With 42.2 percent of companies integrating such models, there is a clear commitment to enhancing work-life balance, which is crucial for DE&I and ESG strategies.

The Fortune article reinforces this point, noting that hybrid working arrangements are not just about convenience — they are a cornerstone of inclusivity, enabling employees, especially women, to continue their professional growth without sacrificing their personal responsibilities.

Through such initiatives, businesses can cultivate a workspace where diverse perspectives thrive, leading to more nuanced and inclusive decision-making. This commitment to diversity not only enriches the workplace culture but also drives innovation and growth by harnessing a breadth of experiences and insights.

Evolving toward DEI&B

As we delve deeper into the gradations of workplace diversity, the evolution from diversity and inclusion (D&I) to DE&I, and now to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B), underscores a significant shift in our approach to fostering a genuinely, authentic and inclusive work environment. This progression signifies a growing understanding that true inclusion goes beyond mere representation — it is about cultivating a sense of belonging where every individual feels valued and integral to the organizational fabric.

The Forbes article illuminates this shift, pointing out that DEI&B initiatives extend well beyond superficial measures of diversity. These programs are designed to embrace and leverage the rich tapestry of human experiences, recognizing that diversity is not just about demographic characteristics but also about the diverse perspectives that individuals bring to the table. For instance, the unique viewpoints of a single working parent contrasted with those of a married individual, or the differing insights from people of various cultural backgrounds, exposure and upbringing, are invaluable for fostering a dynamic and innovative workplace.

By actively pursuing a workforce and leadership team rich in diversity, businesses are not just ticking boxes; they are strategically positioning themselves to tap into a breadth of ideas and experiences that fuel creativity and drive business growth. This approach has tangible benefits, enhancing financial performance, reducing turnover and boosting overall job satisfaction and performance. Embracing DEI&B is not just a moral imperative but a strategic business advantage that fosters a more vibrant, innovative and resilient organization.

Empath: A keystone of DEI&B

In the quest to fully realize the principles of DEI&B, one fundamental trait emerges as pivotal: empathy. Particularly in the Filipino context, empathy stands as the cornerstone for genuine understanding and connection, transcending mere listening to truly comprehending and valuing diverse experiences and perspectives.

The pandemic era underscored the critical role of empathy as organizations navigated unprecedented challenges. Demonstrating empathy through actions — be it through financial aid to facilitate remote working setups, or through enhanced support for employees' mental and physical health — reaffirmed the significance of a compassionate approach. Such empathy-driven initiatives are not merely acts of kindness; they are strategic investments in the well-being and resilience of the workforce and, by extension, the organization itself.

However, our journey toward embedding DEI&B into the organizational ethos is far from complete. While training sessions and workshops are valuable starting points, the essence of DEI&B lies in consistent, ongoing actions and a deep-rooted commitment to empathy. True transformation requires more than seasonal initiatives or one-off events. It demands a persistent effort to integrate these values into our daily operations and organizational culture.

There is a sense of optimism that with sustained dedication, we can cultivate an environment that nurtures development from the ground up, beginning with the youngest members of our society. By instilling an awareness of DEI&B concepts from an early age, we lay the groundwork for a future where these principles are not just integrated into businesses but are part of the broader community principles. In this future, DEI&B extends its reach, impacting not only the corporate sector but also contributing to societal well-being and progress.

Academic institutions play a critical role in laying the foundational understanding of DEI&B. By integrating these concepts into the curriculum, we equip future generations with the awareness and empathy necessary to champion these values in their personal and professional lives. Empathy must be nurtured from an early age, enabling children and young adults to appreciate and embrace differences, understand varied perspectives and cultivate a sense of belonging for themselves and others.

This educational groundwork sets the stage for a more inclusive society where DEI&B principles are not just corporate buzzwords but lived experiences that inform and enrich community interactions, ingrained in the fabric of communities and organizations, and shaping a world that celebrates belonging for all.

Rhia Girmendonk is a director for people and culture at P&A Grant Thornton. One of the leading audit, tax, advisory and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, P&A Grant Thornton is composed of 29 partners and 1,500 staff members. We'd like to hear from you! Tweet us at @GrantThorntonPH, like us on Facebook at P&A Grant Thornton, and email your comments to pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com. For more information, visit our website at www.grantthornton.com.ph.

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