02.17.25
Why Workplace Inclusion Matters: The Economic Imperative for DEI
By Sadie Rudolph, Vice President of Strategic of Communications, FMWF Chamber
Image caption here, size 16 font. Photo courtesy of NAME. Or photo by NAME (if its not from us)
Beyond ethics and business performance, workplace inclusion is an economic necessity. As workforce demographics shift, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. During the February 12 Inclusion Insights training, Whitney Harvey explored why economic trends make DEI more critical than ever.Â
Changing Workforce Demographics
According to Census.gov (2022), demographic shifts in Minnesota and North Dakota highlight growing diversity. However, businesses often fail to reflect these changes in their hiring and leadership practices.Â
- In Minnesota, younger generations are increasingly racially and ethnically diverse.Â
- In North Dakota, migration trends show an influx of professionals from diverse backgrounds moving for work.Â
Labor Force Challenges
- Labor Force Participation: While Minnesota and North Dakota have higher-than-average participation rates, underrepresented groups remain underemployed.Â
- Economic Growth at Risk: A stagnant or declining labor force threatens economic stability—businesses must tap into all available talent pools.Â
- Unemployment Disparities: Marginalized groups face higher unemployment rates, indicating gaps in workforce inclusion efforts.Â
Aging Population and Future Talent Needs
- Labor Force Participation: While Minnesota and North Dakota have higher-than-average participation rates, underrepresented groups remain underemployed.Â
- Declining Retirment Boom: A significant portion of the workforce is retiring, creating labor shortages.
- Declining Birth Rates:Â Fewer young workers mean a shrinking future labor force.
- Recruiting Diverse Talent: To sustain economic growth, businesses must adopt inclusive hiring and retention strategies.Â
DEI as a Workforce Solution
Harvey stressed that inclusion isn’t optional—it’s a solution to workforce challenges. By creating inclusive environments, businesses can attract and retain the diverse talent needed to drive economic success.
Workplace inclusion is key to a thriving economy. As demographic and labor trends evolve, businesses must prioritize DEI to ensure long-term growth. Now is the time to act—embrace inclusion and future-proof your workforce.
Ready to find out more?
Register for session three where Whitney will recap the first two sessions and teach us how to operationalize inclusion solutions. This session is scheduled for March 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead, Minn.
The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training opportunity. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.Â
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