Half of firms in Scotland plan to enact steps to improve workplace inclusivity, says Bank of Scotland

Half of businesses in Scotland plan to introduce new policies and training to improve inclusivity in the workplace – and more than a quarter intend to act in the next six months, according to new research from Bank of Scotland.

The lender, which is headquartered on the Mound in Edinburgh, found that 31 per cent of companies north of the Border aim to prioritise training their staff on diversity and inclusion. In addition, 27 per cent intend to have a more diverse workforce, and a fifth want to adopt more flexible working arrangements.

However, the bank that is owned by Lloyds Banking Group also found that many businesses will require external support and guidance to deliver their plans. Three in ten said they need access to specialist HR skills, and 23 per cent said financial incentives from government would help with their progress towards building a more inclusive workforce.

Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s great to see that so many businesses across the country are prioritising creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the world we live in. Businesses with workforces that truly reflect our communities are often the ones that thrive.

'It’s great to see that so many businesses across the country are prioritising creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the world we live in,' says Bank of Scotland (file image). Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto.

“We all have a responsibility to work together to build environments where all colleagues can prosper. By becoming allies and celebrating each other’s successes, we can empower each other and unlock the fantastic benefits that a more diverse and inclusive workplaces create.”

Lloyds, the UK’s largest lender, last month revealed that its profits nearly doubled in the closing three months of 2022.