In the midst of debates surrounding greenwashing, we are already witnessing the emergence of a new corporate phenomenon, that of pinkwashing. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, referred to in brief as DE&I, is the latest acronym on everyone’s lips. It is a fundamental part of the S factor in ESG and companies are in a frenzy to set out initiatives that will showcase their commitment to the topic.
Until recently, the focus has been on the E (Environment) and G (Governance) side of ESG, in part due to increasingly stringent reporting regulations and stakeholder pressure, but also due to the ability to measure data, for instance, emissions or waste. The S, however, tends to remain the weakest link. In this issue, we explore why and what companies can do about it.
Redefining DE&I
In this edition of Lundquist Quarterly, we look at how the DE&I discussion sways towards gender and compliance, driven, ironically, by a siloed approach in which DE&I is managed by HR or single teams. This issue is peppered with articles on what this change in mindset means and the importance of an inclusive leadership to make it happen.
Shifting the focus from quantitative to more qualitative aspects of company culture and behavior undoubtedly requires different types of targets and KPIs to measure the real impact. This, of course, will require an active role of the Board in promoting key themes. The spirit of the Lundquist magazine is to allow you, our readers, experts and non-experts in the field, to become literate in the world of DE&I, because the business case for DE&I is stronger than ever, it involves everyone, and it is clear that it will be a key component in any company’s future success.
Enjoy the read…
ISSUE 2 – 2022 Lundquist Quarterly (International Edition)
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The courage needed to grasp DE&I opportunities
by James Osborne
Head of Sustainability & Partner, Lundquist
Companies are paying greater attention than ever to diversity, equity and inclusion, but it’s not enough. To avoid the much-feared risk of “pinkwashing”, it’s important to contextualize behaviours, projects and objectives in a broader and more structured strategic vision. And now is the time to do it.
Company culture as a strategic force
by Marianne Fröberg
Sustainable Business Coach, Afuture
There are three areas that should be continuously inspected and worked on to create an inclusive culture that makes a company a place where people want to work and a part of their identity. In these environments, people, perspectives and success bloom like flowers.
Are we using inclusive language and imagery?
by Concetta Cardamone
Digital Communication Consultant, Lundquist
Buddha said that words have the power to both destroy and heal. Today, this is truer than ever. Particularly for companies that are called to hold a certain standing in society.
The rebellious potential of neurodiversity
by Amelie Reuterskiöld Franchin
Sustainable Growth Strategist, Afuture
Once we learn how much added value diverse minds can possess, we can then recognize diversity and more inclusively embrace genius in the workplace and society, drawing significant advantages.
A company’s approach to DE&I from the perspective of a board member
Interview by Amelie Reuterskiöld Franchin
Sustainable Growth Strategist, Afuture
The sustainability manager is dead! Long live the sustainability manager! Why is culture so often overlooked as critical to sustainability leadership?
The forgotten S in ESG
In conversation with Sasja Beslik
Author & Chief Investment Strategy Officer, SDG Impact Japan
We sat down with sustainable finance expert and thought leader, Sasja Beslik, to discuss the social side of ESG investing and what it takes for companies to start prioritising people.
5 trends that will make your intranet a strategic tool
by Ivana Lazzarini
Transformation Manager, Lundquist
Until a few years ago, Internal Communications was perceived as a separate entity from Communications. The pandemic and “new ways of working” have changed this. A company’s intranet has become a strategic investment. Let’s discover how we can use it to its full potential.
.trust Made in Italy: who is credible in the eyes of stakeholders
by Simona Ortelli, Director, Lundquist & Francesca Bellizzi, Consultant, Lundquist
Made in Italy companies are growing and resilient, but when put to the test of trust, which must be earned through facts and a consistent narrative, are they able to go beyond the brand to communicate vision and a tangible image? In other words, do they know how to be credible when facing today’s major challenges?
Trust me, I’m working on it!
By Rosanna Campbell-Gray
Consultant, Lundquist
A clear purpose, strong strategic vision and a deeply embedded commitment are essential for credible communications that not only creates trust but maintains it over time. For companies looking to stand out, there’s another level to strive for: integrating key sector-specific messages to provide stakeholders with evidence about how the company is creating value for society and navigating global megatrends that are key to our collective future.
