The mindset for innovation in U.S. workplaces becomes five times stronger within companies with robust cultures of equality, a new report from Accenture found. Globally, 95% of executives see innovation as vital to their companies in remaining viable and competitive, and as a result they value a culture of equality that is seen to yield greater results in comparison to other factors such as workforce demographics, country, or industry.
The survey also found that an empowering environment outshines the other two culture-of-equality categories (Bold Leadership and Comprehensive Action) when it comes to fostering innovation, according to the research. The six key elements of an empowering environment are: experimentation, collaboration, inspiration, resources, autonomy, and purpose.
When U.S. employees were surveyed, 44 percent in robust cultures felt that nothing holds them back from innovating, while only 6 percent had that feeling in least equal cultures.
However, employers shouldn’t downplay other factors like diverse leadership teams and gender-balanced workforces, which still can significantly impact mindsets. Together, a culture of diversity as well as a culture of equality yield innovative mindsets eight times greater than a company without either.
“If people feel a sense of belonging and are valued by their employers for their unique contributions, perspectives and circumstances, they are more likely to advance and feel empowered to innovate,” said Accenture’s chief leadership and human resources officer, Ellyn Shook.
This report builds upon research conducted by Accenture in 2018, with new sources coming from a survey of over 18,000 professionals across 27 countries, a second survey of 150+ C-suite executives in 8 different countries, and a combination of labor force data with employee survey results.
