(Finance) – Attention to the issues of diversity and inclusion within the corporate world has grown significantly over the last few years and is destined to grow in the next three years. This is highlighted by Ipsos research, presented today on the occasion of the launch of the fourth edition of the 4 Weeks 4 Inclusion, In presence of Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, by
Alessandra Locatelli, Minister for Disabilities, e Salvatore Rossi, president of TIM. This year, 400 partners including businesses, universities, associations and non-profit organizations took part in the largest inter-company event dedicated to inclusion, conceived and promoted by TIM, with the aim of promoting the culture of inclusion and individual rights to diversity outside and inside companies.
According to research “Where are we with DE&I in Italy” by Ipsos, for over 85% of the companies interviewed, attention to diversity and inclusion policies will accelerate in the coming years, also thanks to the growing adoption of company policies oriented towards inclusion. The study also highlights that 60% of the 4W4I partner companies have already been implementing specific initiatives in this direction for several years, enjoying the favor of employees (over 90% approval). Ipsos also highlights that the initiatives are focused on gender equality (85%), disability (67%), gender identity (53%) and age (51%), while the theme on which the greater attention for the future is that of disability (74%). In over three quarters of cases (77%) non-discriminatory behavior policies already exist.
“Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental values of the European Union and a priority for the European Commission – underlined Dalli –. Events like the 4 Weeks 4 Inclusion, promoted by TIM, are an opportunity to take stock of the progress made, share good practices and stimulate positive changes. Our goal is to build a union of equality where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to grow according to their aspirations. To this end we have equipped ourselves with concrete strategies that promote gender equality, LGBTIQ equality, anti-racism, Roma inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities. Promoting equal opportunities in access to the labor market is also a necessity to address labor and labor shortages
skills that many companies have to deal with in Europe”.
“I thank TIM for this initiative which confirms itself as an important event to keep attention high on inclusion and good practices that contribute to enhancing diversity every day – he stated Locatelli –. To respond to the challenges of the future, we need to strengthen collaboration at all levels with ever greater courage: only if we combine energies between institutions, the third sector, the private and private social world, will we be able to guarantee adequate services and a dignified and quality life to every person, even the most fragile ones, starting from the awareness that in everyone there are talents and skills to be valorised. It is a great challenge that must see us all engaged and which will allow us to build more inclusive and welcoming communities for all.”
“Seeing this event, now in its fourth edition, grow year after year is a source of great satisfaction for me – he commented Rossi –. Since the first edition, which had 27 partners, we have involved over 400 companies, universities,
non-profit associations and bodies. This success is proof of how the awareness is increasingly spreading that promoting the universal right to inclusion is not only a duty but also an opportunity for economic growth. Supporting equal opportunities with concrete projects and the path towards a world of work that includes diversity, enhancing its potential and uniqueness are
actions that generate positive impacts at every level and this is why we make them part of our daily commitment”.
During the panel “Anatomy of Inclusion”, moderated by Monica D’Ascenzo, journalist of “Il Sole 24Ore”, the main innovations of the 2023 edition were illustrated through the voices of the representatives of the partner companies. Among the participants were Paola Angeletti, Chief Operating Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo, Elena Ceccolini, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Operations Manager of Amazon Italia and Luciano Sale, HR Director of Fincantieri.