Increasing Diversity in PR

Increasing Diversity in PR

By Emily Fellows, Intern at Kai Communications. 

We know that diversity and inclusivity are influencers on organisational success, and PR businesses are no different. Research from the CIPR revealed that 92% of the profession come from a white British background. We also know that disability is the diversity issue least spoken about in the PR industry.  Yet editorially, journalists increasingly favour stories regarding diversity, inclusion, and equality. So how can PR companies improve their company culture and be more actively diverse and why is it so important?

To gain a range of perspectives for better creativity

A diverse group of people are more likely to have ideas that are distinct from each other, to be innovative, and to produce more creative solutions to problems, which can also give them a competitive edge.

To understand the audience

In Cision’s report, 61% of journalists said that one of the biggest ways that PR companies can help them is to understand their target audience. The more diverse you are, the more authentic your content and the more representative and better it is for the readership you are trying to reach. Creating specific PR campaigns written by diverse content creators, can help us engage with culturally rich environments and can increase our reach in helping to gain new clients and represent different cultures and people. 

To encourage equality and inclusivity. 

Responsible, resilient workplaces embrace inclusion, diversity, and equality. Having a healthy work culture means successful inclusivity and fighting against power differentials that can create bullying. Promoting the importance of respect will ensure successful relationships with clients, journalists and colleagues alike.

To align business objectives to foster curiosity and courageousness 

Companies that foster curiosity and choose to practice active listening are more likely to be better at empathy, will be more open to different ways of thinking and are more likely to reject ignorance and prejudice. 

To future proof your organisation

The alignment of business objectives and purpose and values can tap into powerful ways to facilitate change and strengthen businesses.   Be clear about what your values and business purpose are.