Equality Every Day: Building stronger businesses through inclusion

Better business means constantly seeking ways to gain a competitive edge and build a stronger reputation. In professional services, we focus on technology, skills, and expertise to deliver insight and services to our clients, adding value to their business. At RSM, we want to take it further.

Adding value means a deep understanding of client needs and the ability to think critically about business solutions, all of which require highly engaged and motivated employees who get satisfaction from delivering effective results. Embedding a culture of equality in any workplace takes more than just a day of awareness. Organisations innovate, strengthen their teams, and create lasting value for people and clients by fostering a culture of equality that is important every single day.

Why focus on Equality Every Day?

Building better businesses through equality

Businesses flourish when ideas flow freely. Equality empowers individuals to share their unique perspectives, fostering creativity and collaboration. Teams working in inclusive environments make better decisions, deliver enhanced client solutions, and achieve outstanding results.

Employee retention is critical in a relationship-based industry. For professional services like RSM, where human relationships are central, equality is pivotal in retaining and engaging top-tier talent. To achieve top levels of employee engagement and motivation, people need to feel like they have a fair chance at success and believe they are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best ideas and perform their best work. Cultivating a culture of inclusion begins with consistency in equality.

Equality fuels innovation

Creativity and innovation are critical to serving clients in a world of increasing regulatory and technological complexity. To produce the best ideas, engaged teams need to be able to tackle challenges from different perspectives, bringing the best out of an array of different ideas and different skills. The ability to harness creativity and innovation, and make better decisions because of them, is a business differentiator in a professional services environment. Equality fosters an environment where creativity can flourish. Studies have revealed that companies with diverse leadership are 70% more likely to capture new markets and drive higher levels of innovation. The advantages that come with diversity and inclusion are essential to competitiveness.

Aligning business ethics and strategy

Organisations increasingly align themselves with service providers who share their values and social responsibility commitments. By placing Equality Every Day at the heart of RSM, we live up to our promise under the UN Global Compact, supporting our five foundational social development goals (SDGs); SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 - Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. This differentiates RSM as a conscientious, forward-thinking partner.

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

RSM International, along with over 45  Member Firms, proudly champions the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). These seven principles push for gender equality across the workplace, marketplace, and community by promoting actions such as equal pay, advancing women into leadership roles, and creating safe work environments.

Why does this matter? Because gender equality doesn't just benefit individuals—it strengthens entire organisations. Research shows that:

• Companies with women executives are 30% more likely to perform better than those without.
• Closing the global gender gap could add $7 trillion to the global economy.
• Companies with inclusive policies have a 63% higher probability of increased profitability and productivity, a 60% enhanced ability to attract and retain talent, and a 59% boost in creativity and innovation – according to the International Labour Organisation.

Clearly, gender equality leadership isn’t just socially responsible, it’s smart business.

Tackling the challenges together

Despite progress, disparities remain. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Gender Gap Report, at the current pace, full gender parity will take 134 years to achieve. Women make up 42% of the global workforce but only 31.7% of senior leadership roles. There is significant work to be done—and every individual within an organisation has a role to play.

How can we get started?

Action begins with intention. We are asking the people of RSM to consider, and expect, Equality Every Day. We want to strive towards an inclusive and unrivalled talent experience and it takes every single one of us to make that a reality for each other. There are many ways we can all contribute:

1. Commit to fairness: Be conscious of unconscious bias when hiring, assigning projects, or making decisions.
2. Amplify all voices: Encourage everyone to contribute ideas during team meetings and actively listen to diverse perspectives.
3. Mentor and support: Be an ally for colleagues, especially those from underrepresented groups, to help them reach their full potential.
4. Leverage dialogue: Honest and open conversations lead to understanding, tolerance, and inclusive solutions.
5. Celebrate diversity: Recognise the unique contributions of individuals and teams.

Each of us has the power to lead by example by striving for Equality Every Day. Whether it’s addressing inequities in the workplace, being mindful of everyday interactions, or speaking up when you notice barriers, small actions spark big change.