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A socioeconomically diverse workforce

Social Mobility Index

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals across socio-economic levels. Low levels of social mobility can result in ‘sticky floors’ and ‘sticky ceilings’. This suggests that individuals from less privileged backgrounds may find it difficult to improve their socio-economic situation, be it in terms of wealth, health, education or occupation, whereas those more privileged have access to better resources and opportunities. This challenge extends into the workplace. The decisions that organisations make in terms of recruitment and talent progression can serve to perpetuate social immobility.

The reality is that, until now, there has been no holistic way to measure social mobility and hence perhaps one of the reasons that there has been little progress in this area.

Overcoming the limitations of existing measures, In Diverse Company has created an objective, quantitative and internationally relevant measure of socio-economic status based on which social mobility is calculated. 

Our tool measures the movement of social mobility and identifies the factors affecting it.

Understanding the challenge

Graphic showing Social Mobility index

Our Approach

There is no consensus on the best way to calculate social mobility. It often entails measuring an individual’s socio-economic status (SES) which in itself lacks measurement clarity. Differing academic backgrounds often lead economists to focus on income, while sociologists examine occupational status to calculate SES. Other researchers may evaluate education and some, a combination of all the three variables.

To overcome this challenge, In Diverse Company has created a new composite measure of SES that examines information related to an individual’s finances, career and education.

Screenshot of inclusive habits

How does it work?

We begin the project by communicating with your employees to ensure they are engaged. Next, we engage in data collection – quantitative data through surveys, and qualitative data through in-depth interviews and focus groups with employees.

Through our analysis, we will provide valuable insights into the extent of social mobility employees have experienced. This will be detailed across demographic variables such as gender, race, age, LGBT+, as well as across regions and business functions. Additionally, we will highlight factors that negate or enhance the experience of social mobility, as well as how employees perceive their experiences and opportunities at work.

Based on these findings, recommendations will be provided on practical solutions that your organisation can take to improve the socio-economic diversity and social mobility of your workforce.

Data reporting tool

Data reporting tool to gain deeper insights into your organisation’s EDI alongside business performance.

data upload portal

Use the data upload portal to submit information such as demographic statistics, key financial figures, and information on EDI processes & policies.

inclusion assessment

An inclusion assessment of leaders is used to analyse leadership behaviour and the impact this has on the business.

personalised report

Organisations receive a personalised report of their results, providing analysis of demographics, inclusion, and business performance.

Benchmarking

Moreover, the company will be able to compare with others in their sector to see areas where they may thrive or struggle on an EDI basis. The submission of data will also provide access to a dashboard providing diversity & EDI data in various graphical displays.

Benefits For Your Organisation

Gain an understanding of the socioeconomic background of your workforce and their experience of social mobility, including reference to demographic variables.

Be able to compare the make-up of your organisation to the general population as a whole.

Understand which departments and regions have experienced social mobility, and where in the organisation there is a possible bias towards those from more privileged backgrounds.

Receive data visualisations of the results (keeping all data aggregated) that tell an in-depth story of social mobility at their organisation.

Gain information on recruitment, promotion, and learning and development practices, as well as additional insights on employee behaviour.

Case Studies

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