Insights from 228 executives worldwide on the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce and their strategies for making the most of it.

1. The
21st century
workforce:
a guide to global
workforce diversity trends
Sponsored by SuccessFactors, The Economist Intelligence
Unit surveyed 228 executives around the globe to learn
about the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce—
and their strategies for making the most of it.
Get the full report at www.successfactors.com/valuesbased-diversity … and read on for a sneak preview.
I. Diversity: good for business
Why do leaders value diversity?
Diversity can improve their organizations’
performance in three key areas:
“ iverse teams can produce
D
better, more creative ideas
because of synergy among
contrasting approaches.”
“ strategic approach to
A
managing diversity can
provide our organization with
an enriched talent pool.”
“ diverse workforce
A
improves our ability to
engage a diverse client
base and succeed in a
wider number of markets.”
II. Top challenges vary by region
How do diversity challenges
differ by region?
HR and other business leaders must manage
multiple complex challenges related to regional cultures.
Asia Pacific
North America
Middle East
Generational issues
Cultural and
religious issues
Africa Asia Pacific
Latin America
Hello
Education and
training challenges
Hola
Language issues
III. Leading strategies
How are successful HR leaders
managing workforce diversity?
They’re using a combination of motivational
strategies, benefits, and opportunities.
What strategies are you using to
manage a diverse workforce?
Mentoring new and highpotential employees
47%
45%
Exposing high-potential
employees to diverse
business situations
43%
Flexible working
arrangements
41%
Opportunities for
international careers
36%
Opportunities for diverse
teams to address strategic
business challenges
What technologies are most useful
for managing a diverse workforce?
Human resource
information system
E-learning system
35%
31%
25%
21% 20%
Videoconferencing
Cloud-based
collaboration tools
Employee polls
Find out how you compare to global leaders.
Get the full report at:
www.successfactors.com/values-based-diversity