Why you should care about diversity, equity and inclusion in the motor trade

Over the last couple of months, we have been running Equality, Diversity and Inclusion focussed events hosted in partnership with Transport Scotland, Energy Skills Partnership, and Edinburgh College.

These events are designed to help you understand your legal duties around equality in the workplace, as well as realise some of the benefits of creating an inclusive working environment.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion [DEI] can sometimes feel like a minefield, especially in a hands-on industry where we’re used to straight-talking and cracking on with the job.

At it’s core, DEI is about one simple principle – treating everyone with respect and dignity. When we do that well, we boost profits, attract more talent, retain good staff and reduce the chances of running into legal troubles.

Here are four reasons why DEI matters to every motor trade employer:

1. Diversity, equity and inclusion could be the key to attracting new talent

It’s no secret that our industry has a long-standing challenge: recruiting skilled people. Many of our members tell us that it’s difficult to source new talent, particularly in more remote areas, where the pool of applicants is smaller.

The reality is that if we want to bring new people in, our workplaces must feel welcoming to everyone. Your workshop might feel friendly and comfortable to you – but is it welcoming to people of different ages, backgrounds, genders, or abilities?

In the short term, making small inclusive changes can help widen your recruitment pool. In the long term, showing that the automotive sector is an open and inclusive place to build a career, can inspire a more diverse generation to join the industry.

2. DEI can benefit your bottom line and increase Innovation

Being inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. Research shows that inclusive workplaces are twice as likely to meet or surpass financial targets.

According to McKinsey, businesses prioritising DEI are 70% better equipped to capture new markets and resonate with customers from all backgrounds.

Why? Because diverse teams bring different ideas, experiences, and perspectives. These different perspectives lead to better problem-solving, more creativity, and improved customer service, giving your business an edge.

1. Employers now have a legal obligation to prevent sexual harassment

A recent change in legislation places a new proactive duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.

If you employ people or interact with customers, you must show that you have taken steps such as:

• Putting an anti-harassment policy in place
• Providing training to staff
• Creating a culture where inappropriate behaviour is addressed

Comments that some might dismiss as “banter” can still constitute sexual harassment. This includes:

• Making sexual remarks about someone’s appearance
• Asking intrusive questions about someone’s private life
• Telling sexually offensive jokes
• Touching someone without consent

Taking steps now helps protect your team and reduces legal risk for your business.

Read more on your responsibilities and steps you can take to comply with the law

4. Inclusion is important to your staff

With 1/3 of UK workers saying that they’ve quit a job because of a negative workplace culture, it’s important to ensure that employees feel supported, comfortable and welcome.

This is especially important to Gen Z and Millennials who place high value on inclusive, fair and supportive workplaces. It’s also worth knowing that they now make up the majority of the workforce, so by prioritising inclusion, you’re strengthening your business for the future.

Dates for your diary

If you’d like to learn more about the importance of inclusion and how to retain and attract talent in your workplace, join one of our free events:

Each event runs from 6pm – 8pm and includes food!

• Wednesday 21^st January – New College Lanarkshire
• Monday 26^th January – Dundee & Angus College
• Wednesday 11^th February – UHI Inverness

Email events@smta.co.uk if you’re coming!