How to answer "What are your thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace?" (with sample answers)

Why Employers Ask This

Asking about your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a common question in job interviews. It is because diversity and inclusion are vital components of creating a successful and positive work environment. Employers want to know if you share their values and beliefs about diversity and inclusion and if you can work collaboratively with coworkers of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

Furthermore, companies recognize that diversity and inclusion can improve workplace performance and productivity by bringing together unique experiences and ideas to solve problems and create innovative solutions. Hence, your response to this question can help the employer determine whether you will be a good fit culturally and can contribute to the company's goals and objectives.

How to Answer the Question

To successfully answer the question "What are your thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace?" in a job interview, apply the following guidelines:

1. Do Your Research: Before going for the interview, research the company's culture and values to understand its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This research can help you tailor your response and show your interest in the company’s culture.
2. Be Honest: It is essential to be genuine in your response. Be honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with diversity and inclusion in the workplace. If you have encountered obstacles related to diversity, highlight how you overcame them and how the experience has shaped your thoughts on inclusion.
3. Provide Examples: One of the most effective ways to illustrate your understanding of diversity and inclusion is by giving an example of a time when you have worked with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences and how you leveraged these differences to achieve a common goal.
4. Highlight Positive Results: If you have been part of a team that has successfully implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives, highlight your role in these initiatives and the positive outcomes that you achieved together. By doing so, you indicate to the employer that you can work collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve business goals.
5. Link to Company Goals: Mention the company's goals and objectives related to diversity and inclusion and explain how your experience, skills, and knowledge can contribute to achieving these goals. This shows the employer that you are familiar with the company's priorities and can align your ideas with their needs.

Sample answers

1. Good answer:

   I believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to the success of any workplace. Bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can lead to innovative ideas, better problem-solving skills, and a more welcoming environment for everyone. It's important to create a workplace culture that values diversity and encourages opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute.

   This answer shows a clear understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion and highlights the potential benefits for the company. The answer also demonstrates a positive attitude towards creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

2. Good answer:

   I believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, they are essential components of any successful workplace. Embracing diversity means that everyone's unique backgrounds and experiences are valued, and employees feel valued and respected. Inclusion means that everyone has a voice and their participation is encouraged and supported. Together, diversity and inclusion create a more cohesive, productive, and positive work environment that benefits everyone.

   This answer also shows a clear understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and emphasizes the positive impact they can have on work culture and productivity.

3. Bad answer:

   Uh, I guess diversity and inclusion are important because it's what everyone says these days. It's good to have different people around because it looks good on the company's social media pages. Plus, it's good to have some tokens to show that we're not racist or anything.

   This answer shows a lack of understanding and respect for diversity and inclusion. It also comes across as insincere and dismissive, which could be a major red flag for the interviewer.

4. Bad answer:

   I don't really care about diversity and inclusion, to be honest. I just care about getting my work done and getting paid. None of that other stuff matters to me.

   This answer not only shows a lack of understanding and appreciation for diversity and inclusion, but also a lack of interest in being a team player and contributing to a positive work environment. This response may not bode well with the interviewer who expects a candidate to be enthusiastic and supportive of creating a diverse and inclusive work culture.