The HR Director: Why Social Mobility Should Be High On The HR Agenda

Originally posted on The HR Director, written by Matrix’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Siobhan Goss.

“I am always eager to celebrate Social Mobility Day (June 13th) as a reminder that we all must strive for equality in every aspect of our lives”.

This is particularly crucial for companies and their HR departments, whether large or small, which might lack a comprehensive equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy or consider social mobility someone else’s problem.

But why should greater representation across race, gender, and class be a business priority? Diverse talent and inclusive management are intrinsically linked to innovation, collaboration, and creativity, which are essential elements of growth. Successful leaders view EDI through the lens of strategic growth. When applied effectively, EDI saves time and money by creating the right work environment that allows talent to reach its full potential.

Business leaders and HR executives must become comfortable discussing social mobility. Some may need to recognise their own privilege and understand what they need to change. Conversely, those who were disadvantaged should feel empowered to be role models.

These are personal and often awkward topics for which people don’t always have a language. But once the conversation starts, it can be incredibly powerful and essential for success. I’ve seen it many times: when a leader openly discusses their struggles, staff members feel inspired and say, “I thought I was the only one.” This is why it is so important to foster these conversations to create a more welcoming and inclusive working environment.

By prioritising social mobility, business leaders can unlock the full potential of their workforce, drive innovation, and ensure sustainable growth. It’s not just about doing the right thing—it’s about creating a competitive advantage in an ever-changing business landscape. So, on this Social Mobility Day let’s embrace this challenge and lead the way in making our workplaces fairer and more inclusive for everyone.

Originally posted on The HR Director, written by Matrix’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Siobhan Goss.