How do you solve a problem like... gender bias in ad agencies?

"If you're struggling to create an equal, inclusive and gender diverse workplace in 2021, you're years behind the curve and putting your business at risk of extinction. As a female leader who has worked in traditionally male-dominated industries, one of the most critical pieces of advice I could offer would be to have women in the room at all times."

"Unconscious bias creeps in and presents itself in myriad ways, though it is especially harmful when perpetuated through ad copy and content. A talented and diverse team with unique backgrounds, identities and experiences will ensure that all business activities meaningfully connect and truly reflect consumers and society. Seek diversity and create inclusion within your organizations, beginning from the hiring process through to nurturing and retaining people. Leverage diverse perspectives that will drive innovation, responsiven"

Organizations that fail to build equal, inclusive, gender-diverse workplaces risk falling behind and damaging business prospects. Consistently including women and diverse perspectives in ideation, policy-making, and leadership prevents missteps, produces well-rounded ideas, fosters inclusivity, and supports financial performance. Structuring marketing teams like agencies and intentionally recruiting for diversity across gender, age, ethnicity, and educational background strengthens brand and culture. Unconscious bias can appear in ad copy and content; diverse teams with varied identities and experiences ensure business activities connect with and reflect consumers and society. Hiring, nurturing, and retaining diverse talent drives innovation and responsiveness.

Read at The Drum