Diversity in the workplace is so much more than just a business trend. Beyond the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), building a diverse workforce means creating a space where all people feel valued, respected, and engaged. It’s not just about filling seats with varied backgrounds; it’s about fostering a culture where unique perspectives come together to drive creativity, innovation, and lasting success.
But achieving true diversity means thinking beyond checklists. That’s why General Assembly’s Hire-Train-Deploy model is here to help companies move past basic compliance and actively invest in diversity from the ground up. Let’s explore why diversity in the workplace is essential—not only for business success but for building a more inclusive world.
Diversity goes beyond business goals
Yes, the business case for diversity is strong. Research shows that companies with higher diversity rates outperform their peers in innovation and profitability. A 2018 Boston Consulting Group study found that diverse management teams generated 19% more revenue from innovation than less diverse teams. But focusing only on these outcomes misses the bigger picture: diversity is about creating workplaces that value each person’s unique voice.
When teams are composed of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas, they build a richer, more inclusive culture. Employees feel they can be themselves, which leads to better engagement, creativity, and collaboration. It’s a work environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
How diverse hiring practices support stronger teams
Building a genuinely diverse workforce requires more than intention—it calls for inclusive hiring practices that bring in talent from all walks of life. This is where we come in, offering a strategic approach to creating diverse teams who are ready to hit the ground running.
Here’s how it works:
- Hire: We tap into a broad, diverse pool of talent from GA’s network of over 100,000 alumni and 5,000 new learners trained each year. Plus, with our global reach and partnerships with community organizations, we can source talent wherever it’s needed. Our hiring process ensures access to candidates from varied backgrounds, helping companies build teams that reflect the world around us.
- Train: Once selected, candidates are prepared with a comprehensive job-ready education, including technical skills, soft skills, and real-world projects led by industry experts. By providing training that combines tech skills with critical interpersonal abilities, GA ensures that each candidate is ready to add unique value to their new role.
- Deploy: After training, our candidates don’t just join a company—they receive ongoing support through dedicated Squad Leaders who provide coaching and guidance. This model helps diverse talent adapt smoothly, with the flexibility to transition from contract to full-time roles as they become integral to their teams.
We’ll help you find and retain diverse talent that will do so much more than help your business meet diversity quotas; it’ll help you build teams where each member feels supported and engaged.
Going beyond DEI with inclusive culture-building
For many companies, DEI goals start with hiring. But to truly make diversity part of your organization, it’s essential to create a culture where everyone can thrive. Inclusive culture-building involves everything from open communication channels to continuous DEI education and leadership that models inclusivity.
How GA can help: Our hire-train-deploy model provides a sustainable way to introduce diversity, but it’s also designed to help companies grow and retain a diverse workforce over time. This isn’t just about initial training—it’s about creating a community where everyone feels they belong and growth is encouraged with regular upskilling opportunities.
Why diverse teams are the foundation for innovation
Diverse teams naturally drive innovation. When people with different perspectives collaborate, they see problems from various angles, leading to creative, well-rounded solutions. During brainstorming sessions, individuals from diverse backgrounds may spot nuances others might overlook, ultimately leading to smarter decision-making and stronger outcomes.
For companies looking to encourage this level of innovation, our Hire-Train-Deploy model offers a strategic advantage. By sourcing and training talent from diverse backgrounds, GA helps companies bring fresh ideas into their teams, sparking innovation and positioning them for long-term success.
Building a workforce for a diverse future
Diversity in the workplace isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for any business looking to stay competitive in a global market. As companies strive to reflect the diversity of the world around them, they also need sustainable solutions that support these goals long-term. That’s exactly what we’re here for; equipping companies with the tools to create, grow, and maintain a truly inclusive workplace. Ready to invest in a workforce that goes beyond DEI compliance? Explore how General Assembly’s Hire-Train-Deploy model can help your business attract and retain the talent that reflects the values of today’s world. Learn more here.