If businesses want to maximise their potential, they need to be intersectional

The tyranny of fit

Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Leaders must take an inclusive, intersectional approach to enable them to give their best, argues Apiramy Jeyarajah.

Harry Gordon Selfridge was not afraid of being different. Selfridge summed up his guiding idea in a single phrase: 'Everyone is welcome'. This mantra applied to customers, who were treated with courtesy and respect as they browsed the store, but also to the company's staff. Over the decades, Selfridges has continued to build a diverse and inclusive culture in which people are encouraged to "bring their whole selves to work". Selfridges' long-running project to foster a sense of belonging among its employees is all too rare. Despite the lip-service paid to diversity initiatives, many peop...