3. Study:
Diversity in Estonian companies
• Various studies have shown that considering diversity
and conscious management (diversity management) of it
have positive impact on corporate performance. Google,
Facebook, ISS Denmark have studied the field a lot.
• The Estonian study was carried out by PRAXIS and
financied by Erinevus rikastab project.
• The diversity was never before examined among Estonian
companies. describes the diversity in the management
boards in Estonian companies and evaluates the links
between diversity and economic performance.
4. Diversity in Estonian companies
(Praxis, 2015)
• The boards of Estonian companies are rather
homogeneous; diversity exists only in a
limited number of companies. 45% of
Estonian enterprises have both man and
woman in their boards. There are less than a
third of companies where board members
differ due to health features and 23% of the
companies have board members who differ
due to religious beliefs.
7. Conclusion
• In Estonia - the diversity in management board does not
immediately cause higher turnovers or profits.
• Meaningful diversity management and skills are needed.
• It has been found that corporate strategy and culture can
influence the impact of the diversity. Flexible working
hours, non-discriminatory promoting and remuneration
systems are just a few examples of things which are
increasing positive and decreasing negative effects of
diversity.
• Conscious diversity management, training for accepting the
diversity and avoiding stereotypes are also important.
8. One practical solution –
Diversity Charter
• The Estonian Diversity Charter is a voluntary and written commitment
that can be signed by any company or public institution that values a
discrimination-free work environment and makes a decision to work
toward fostering diversity. The ten articles of the Diversity Charter
emphasize diversity, inclusion, and equal treatment as the central values
of each charter member.
• More than 70 companies and organizations have signed it: Swedbank,
Ministryof Culture, Kaubamaja, Manpower, Ericsson Estonia, Network of
Estonian Nonprofit Organizations.
• The Charter is also a platform for members to learn from experts and
from one another, share best practices, and promote the topic of
diversity and inclusion in Estonian society.
• Similar charters exist across the EU, we are members of EU-level
exchange platform
9. One practical solution –
Diversity Charter
• A seminar on diversity at workplace takes place at Viru Hotel
conference centre on 6 December 2016, where diversity
management researcher Lotte Holck from Denmark will give a
presentation.
• During the second half of the seminar new members of
Estonian Diversity Charter are welcomed.
• More informationat www.erinevusrikastab.ee
