Ah JEDI principles; the tenets that upheld the Jedi Order in a galaxy far, far away. Wait, what? Oh, right, no. We’re not talking about those magical, fictional force users that helped maintain peace and equality in space.
What are the JEDI Principles?
JEDI, in this instance, is an acronym for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and they are a vital framework that businesses can use to foster positive change within their organisation.
The JEDI principles embody ethical values that reflect a commitment to creating a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment and many modern companies have used them within their organisational strategies to drive meaningful change.
Why JEDI?
Why choose Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion? Why these particular values?
Let’s break each one down, explain what they mean, and how each one is important for businesses.
Justice
Justice involves fairness, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. In a business context, it means treating employees and stakeholders equitably, ensuring that access to both opportunities and resources is distributed fairly.
At in2eco, we strive to treat everyone we work with fairly and equally. We strongly believe that everyone benefits this way.
Equity
Equity goes beyond equality by acknowledging that different individuals have different needs and circumstances. What is best for one person may not work for another. Equity involves providing tailored support to address these differences and levelling the playing field, enabling everyone to thrive.
At in2eco, we embed equity into our policies and processes to make sure that our working environment, for both staff and clients, is fair, safe, and allows everyone to get the most out of their experience with us.
Diversity
Diversity celebrates the uniqueness of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including ethnicity, gender, age, neurodiversity, and more. Embracing diversity enriches perspectives, fosters creativity, and strengthens problem-solving capabilities.
At in2eco, we encourage different points of view, ways of thinking, and approaches to work and commit to never discriminating against anyone. We love working with great people, regardless of their backgrounds.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the active integration of diverse voices, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued and respected. It creates a sense of belonging and allows for better collaboration across all levels of an organisation.
At in2eco, we love to tell our clients’ stories and we love to collaborate. We cannot do that without inclusion. We are committed to providing a voice within our company to everyone and respecting everyone’s input.
What can the JEDI principles do for companies?
According to the J.E.D.I Collaborative, “Inclusive organisations enjoy 3x revenue growth” and “companies with organisational diversity yield 21% higher financial performance, and 27% higher likelihood of long-term value creation.”
In a rapidly changing world, more and more businesses are recognising that a commitment to the JEDI principles is not just a moral imperative but one that also offers a strategic advantage:
Enhanced Innovation
Diverse teams and networks bring a variety of experiences and perspectives together, which sparks innovative ideas and solutions. Companies that prioritise diversity are more likely to develop products, services, and ideas that cater to a broader customer base.
Top Talent
Inclusive workplaces not only let more skilled people in but they are also more attractive to a wider pool of talent. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to contribute their best efforts, leading to higher retention rates, increased job satisfaction, and increased productivity.
Decision-making
Inclusive environments encourage open communication and the consideration of different perspectives, which leads to well-rounded decisions that take these various viewpoints and potential outcomes into consideration.
Stronger Reputation
Consumers and investors are increasingly prioritising companies that uphold ethical principles. Businesses committed to the JEDI principles are seen as more responsible and forward-thinking, contributing positively to their brand image.
How can you embed the JEDI principles into your business?
While the benefits of embracing these principles are clear and much of it seems like common sense and using your conscience, implementing them requires a thoughtful and intentional approach.
Here’s some examples of how to start embedding JEDI into your company:
- Educate and Train
Provide education and training to your employees about the importance of JEDI principles and how they contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
- Top-down Commitment
Leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for an organisation. When a company’s leadership demonstrates a genuine commitment to JEDI principles, it sends a powerful message throughout the company.
- Policy Revision
Review and update existing policies and procedures to ensure they align with JEDI values. This includes everything from recruitment and hiring practices to promotion criteria and conflict resolution.
- Encourage Open Dialogue
Create safe spaces for open conversations about diversity and inclusion. These discussions can lead to a deeper understanding of individual experiences and perspectives.
- Measure Progress
Establish metrics to measure and track your progress in promoting the JEDI principles. Regularly assess the impact of your initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.
- Accountability
Hold individuals and teams accountable for upholding these JEDI principles. Recognise and reward efforts that contribute to a more inclusive environment.
By embracing the JEDI principles and embedding them within your business, your company can help drive success whilst simultaneously making a positive impact on the lives of your employees, stakeholders, customers and clients, and even the wider community.
If all companies put justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of their organisation’s mission, maybe we could all shape a future to be proud of.
It’s got to start somewhere.
In the words of a wise old alien: “Do, or do not. There is no try.”