The impact of Covid-19, social restrictions, and lockdown – analysis of the current situation through the lens of EDI

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Infrastructure Client Group’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Group, convened to analyse the impact of Covid-19, social restrictions, and lockdown through the lens of EDI.

The emergency caused by Covid-19 has helped employers to ‘think of people in their entirety’. At the same time inequalities created by Covid-19 might have further increased existing divisions in the workforce.

During their meeting, the EDI Group identified a number of key themes, both positive and negative, from their experience of dealing with the situation, to share with the industry. The group looked at best practice and immediate successes, while also raising the potential challenges that had been identified.

Overall there was a recommendation that organisational leaders should not dial down their EDI efforts in a post-lockdown world where an increased uncertainty will require organisations to be more innovative and productive – both of which are proven benefits of a more diverse workforce.

A write-up highlighting the key themes from the Chatham House meeting can be downloaded below.