Dreamers & Makers

Diversity – in all its forms and shapes– presents benefits, for both personal growth and added value for clients and society. But, to unlock them, it is necessary to address the challenges that diversity management presents. We talk about this topic with Xavier de Prado, Business Development Director of the Diagnostics area, during the European Diversity Month, as well as about the impact of diversity on companies, innovation, clients and business.  

In your opinion, what are the challenges and benefits (cognitive, experiential, generational, cultural…) of working in diverse teams?  

I would say that the biggest challenge of diversity is, specifically, its effective management. The benefits that diversity brings to the company and team are widely known. To highlight a few, it stimulates the generation of creative and alternative ideas, improves the consequent decision making by having different points of view, promotes the personal growth of the members of the team.  

But, to unlock these benefits, it is necessary to adequately address the challenges that diversity can present. Knowing how to manage the communication barriers that may appear – whether linguistic or cultural-, stereotypes and/or prejudices and even something apparently minor with respect to diversity, such as working hours and different geographical areas, are key elements to be able to consolidate these benefits.  

Considering the positive impact of cognitive diversity on innovation, how do these benefits translate into business development? What are the advantages for the end customer?  

One of the core activities in the business development activity is the continuous search for new solutions that bring value to our clients. As I have said, effective diversity management, where creativity and respect for different points of view are encouraged, often leads to new concepts and services for our clients. Sener has procedures and control milestones throughout the life cycle of the product or service that manage this diversity and thus offer the best service to our customers.  

How can we promote diversity so that it becomes a strategic lever for the company?   

I would suggest two closely related approaches. First, by putting people at the center of business. Secondly, by effectively managing the company’s intrinsic diversity and continually setting new challenges to get out of our comfort zone.   

Digital transformation is impacting the corporate culture of companies. What impact do you think it will have on equality, diversity and inclusion processes?   

One of the main contributions of digital transformation is access to and management of information. With such new tools, companies have better and broader access to talent in the market, and can unlock new ways of working and new models of company/employee relationships, among other factors.