How our Good Ideas can Transform DEI in your Workplace

How our Good Ideas can Transform DEI in your Workplace

Let’s set the record straight: The industry can no longer ignore the exodus of female advertising professionals. And this is not an isolated voice of alarm in a LinkedIn post. Earlier this year, the 2023 Global DEI Census confirmed a concerning trend that the industry urgently needs to address. One in seven of our global marketing industry members considers leaving due to DEI shortcomings, a problem that has a more significant impact on female colleagues, with the figure narrowing to one in six. The main reasons for this mismatch are very clear:

  • Lack of Representation: There are few female role models for future generations, discouraging them from entering our field
  • Inequality in Teleworking: The pandemic exacerbated domestic imbalances, making it harder for mothers to return to their careers, especially where paternity leave is lacking
  • Gender Pay Gap: Compensation discrepancies persist, forcing women to validate their worth without economic implications continually

Leaving women behind is one of the many problems reported in the 2023 Global DEI Census, and the question now is not just why this matters but how you, as an EACA member, can leverage these results to create a safer, more inclusive, and more diverse work environment. For this reason, the EACA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force has put all hands on deck to use these results as an impulse to drive change in agencies. Last month, EACA launched “She is a Keeper”, a source of practical solutions at critical moments in women’s professional life. The idea behind this guide is to gather successful policies and best practices from our members and partners across borders and corporations to inspire others.

How can you make the most of the “She is a Keeper” guide as an organisation?

“It’s more than knowing the problems; it’s about acting on them. The “She is a Keeper” shows there is no need to hire an entire DEI department in your company to implement changes. Small decisions and actions can also have a tremendous and long-term impact”.

  • Adopt and Adapt: The initiatives within the playbook are the tools you need to address these challenges head-on. Use them as building blocks to create a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and diverse. Some of these initiatives may surprise you, as they are actions you may not have initially considered, but they can make a significant difference.
  • Learn from Peers: Real-world case studies from EACA DEI Task Force member organisations showcase how these initiatives work in practice, how they eliminate stereotypes, and how they promote equal opportunities —feeling motivated after reading about a particular initiative? If others were able to pull it off, so can you! This is your sign to advocate for changes in the workplace, and if you need help along the way, we are happy to put you in contact with the agency whose actions inspired you.
  • Tailor Solutions: We know there is no such thing as “one size fits all”, but we firmly believe that “one solution is better than none”. Choose the initiatives that align with your unique challenges, enabling you to forge a path to progress.

Myriam D. Seda, Communications Officer and “She is a Keeper” Coordinator @ EACA

The 2023 Global DEI Census results are a call to action today, and it will be the roadmap for our 2024 DEI agenda. If you want to contribute to our work to change the industry’s narrative, join our DEI Task Force led by Faye Raincock (TBWA) and integrating 16 NACs and corporate members. We strongly believe in the power of good ideas to make a difference!