Measuring Inclusion

Book cover for Measuring Inclusion
Category: Business, Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Publication date: September 24, 2024
Extent: 200 pages

Measuring Inclusion

Higher profits and happier people, without guesswork or backlash

Paolo Gaudiano

Description

WINNER – International Business Book of the Year, Business Book Awards 2025

WINNER – Goody Business Book Awards 2024

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is under fire, but attracting and retaining talent is more important than ever. This book introduces an entirely new approach to DEI, showing how and why measuring inclusion is the key for organizations to enjoy higher performance and greater employee satisfaction, without causing any backlash.

Measuring Inclusion offers step-by-step directions, sample data, and real-world case studies to help you make meaningful and sustainable improvements in employee recruitment, engagement, productivity, and retention.

You will learn to quantify, track, and estimate the financial ROI of your organization’s DEI efforts just as you do with every other business activity—and in the process make your organization more successful and increasingly welcoming for everyone.

“A more strategic, data-informed approach to DEI.” – Tiffani Wollbrinck, Global Talent Management and Development, Levi Strauss & Co

“Practical, measurable strategies that tie directly to business performance.” – Kirsty Devine, Head of US HR and Global Projects, The Financial Times

“The analytical framework practitioners have been looking for in the area of DEI.” – Silke Muenster, Former Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Morris International

“A crucial counterpoint to the current backlash against DEI, providing a data-driven justification for why these efforts are essential for business success.” – Jennifer Brown, Keynote Speaker and WSJ best-selling author, How to be an Inclusive Leader

A former professor with degrees in mathematics, aerospace engineering, and neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano is an entrepreneur, a teacher, a prolific writer, and a sought-after speaker. His work transforms how people think about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable while driving greater economic benefits for everyone.

Reviews

This book provides alternative ways to consider how to understand and look to reduce the inequities experienced at work.

A takeaway for me is the importance of experiential data. If you’re not aware of the experiences, especially those of exclusion, taking place within your organisation then any diversity data is not going to provide you the full story.

I’ve read many Inclusion related books which focus on measurements of DEI work and only a handful, including this one, would I definitely recommend to help broaden your understanding and differing methodologies when considering measuring DEI work. – Llaura-Lee Hughes, LinkedIn

Agile, easy to ready, engaging: a must-read for all those leaders who believe diversity and equity lead to better results but couldn’t figure out yet the how – Amazon 5*

Endorsements

Having witnessed the evolution of Measuring Inclusion from its initial workshop to a comprehensive guide, I am impressed by how it reshapes our approach to DEI. This book is a masterclass in understanding the complexities of inclusion, offering new perspectives, cost-saving strategies, and a thoughtful approach to engaging the majority. It not only addresses the challenges of the past but also equips us for future advancements in the DEI space. Any organization committed to real change should consider this essential reading. – Mike Sebring, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Citizens

Paolo Gaudiano’s Measuring Inclusion is a crucial read for leaders aiming to enhance their organizational culture. This book helps to shift the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda by introducing practical, measurable strategies that tie directly to business performance. It’s not just motivational; it provides actionable steps to embed inclusion deeply into the fabric of business success. – Kirsty Devine, Head of US HR and Global Projects, The Financial Times

For any business leader unsure about the value of investing resources in DEI, Measuring Inclusion is a compelling read that demonstrates the undeniable link between inclusion and superior business results. – Kristen Anderson, CEO, European Women on Boards, Former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Barilla

This book thoughtfully focuses the DEI conversation on measuring what matters. It’s a practical guide for leaders focused on leveraging diversity and inclusion to create a competitive advantage. – James D. White, Board Chair, The Honest Company

Having led DEI efforts in a global corporate environment, I believe that inclusion should be our top priority for all the reasons explained in this book. Measuring Inclusion is an extremely important book that offers the analytical framework practitioners have been looking for in the area of DEI. Its insightful methodologies not only validate the importance of DEI across all organizational levels but also provide a clear path to measurable success. This book is a beacon for those committed to making inclusion a core aspect of their corporate strategy. – Silke Muenster, Former Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Morris International

The Measuring Inclusion approach has significantly advanced MITRE’s I&D initiatives, giving us the actionable insights needed to cultivate a more inclusive workplace. This book reflects the innovative strategies that have guided our efforts, emphasizing the importance of data in driving meaningful change. For any organization dedicated to enhancing their DEI practices, this book offers a compelling, evidence-based framework. It’s an indispensable guide for leaders seeking to leverage inclusion as a catalyst for organizational excellence and employee well-being. – Heba Mahmoud, Head of Inclusion & Diversity, MITRE

For the first time, we now have a way to quantify exclusion in the workplace. This groundbreaking book illuminates the path to creating more inclusive and retentive workplaces by providing concrete data that enables real, intentional conversations about diversity and inclusion. It enables us to identify systemic issues and urges employers to establish workplaces where diversity and inclusion are not only talked about but actively embraced. Paolo’s book is a must-read for anyone who is committed to transforming the workplace. – Lynn Dohm, Executive Director, Women in CyberSecurity

As a collaborator with the author on numerous DEI-focused research projects, I can attest to the rigor and innovative nature of the methodologies underpinning Measuring Inclusion. This book masterfully translates complex scientific principles into actionable DEI strategies, making it an invaluable resource across various domains. Its empirical approach to enhancing workplace inclusion is not only groundbreaking but essential for any organization committed to evidence-based change. Measuring Inclusion is a testament to the power of combining academic research with practical application along with insights from lived experiences to foster truly inclusive environments. – Gilda A. Barabino, President, Olin College of Engineering Board Chair, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Measuring Inclusion is a must-read for all those C-level execs who want to solve the DE&I riddle: a merely feel-good HR program, or a strategic imperative with tangible bottom-line benefits? Paolo Gaudiano’s book shatters conventional cliches and brings a fresh perspective to the table. Drawing from years of research and development, Paolo introduces an approach grounded in evidence and logic that transforms the compelling but financially elusive concept of DE&I into a quantifiable science. Measuring Inclusion is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to unlock the true potential of DE&I in the workplace, and a gateway to a future where DE&I isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. – Piero Scotto, Head of Global Marketing, Siemens Healthineers

Measuring Inclusion arrives as a crucial counterpoint to the current backlash against DEI, providing a data-driven justification for why these efforts are essential for business success. As a DEI practitioner and author, I appreciate how this book emphasizes measurable outcomes and offers a clear, evidence-based path forward. It is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to defend and promote DEI in today’s challenging climate. – Jennifer Brown, Keynote Speaker and WSJ best-selling author, How to be an Inclusive Leader

Measuring Inclusion is a guide for leaders who understand how crucial DEI is to fully engage today’s workforce and create the best leaders and organizations for tomorrow. This book is a roadmap for taking a quantitative approach to unlock the wisdom that true inclusion focuses on shared experiences, not on differences. Paolo demonstrates how everyone benefits when we prioritize inclusion. A necessary read at a time when DEI is more urgent than ever. – Ruchika Tulshyan, Author, Inclusion on Purpose

As a fellow advocate for a quantitative approach to DEI, I am deeply impressed by Measuring Inclusion. Its rigorous methodology and clear linkage to business outcomes make it a vital resource. This book not only advances the DEI conversation but also provides a practical blueprint for sustainable change. A must-read for anyone serious about integrating DEI into the fabric of their business. – Frida Polli, Ph.D., CEO and Co-founder, Pymetrics (now Harver)

No model can capture the entirety of complex realities. Still, some models can serve as valuable tools for understanding specific aspects of our world, providing insights and helpful guidance for decision-making. In Measuring Inclusion, that is precisely what Paolo Gaudiano offers his readers—a set of models for understanding and driving measurable benefits out of inclusion. So, if you’re seeking a roadmap to help you identify and benefit from opportunities to drive value out of inclusion with precision and purpose, Measuring Inclusion is your indispensable guide. I highly recommend it. – Joseph Santana, DEI Futurist and Chairman of the CDO PowerCircle

Measuring Inclusion is a must-read for any business leader, HR professional, or diversity practitioner looking to move beyond the rhetoric and guesswork of traditional DEI efforts. With its compelling blend of quantitative rigor and human insight, the book charts a promising path forward, one where individual experiences are honored, systemic issues are confronted, and organizations thrive by harnessing the full potential of all their people. – Stela Lupushor, Reframe.Work Inc. and Co-author, Humanizing Human Capital

As a Founder, CEO, and employee, I’ve participated in several DEI initiatives. When Paolo presented at our corporate off site, his approach and research ‘clicked’ with our team and has endured. Measuring Inclusion is at the heart of Paolo’s approach and what is missing from most DEI efforts. Initiatives struggle to gain traction when you can’t measure impact. As you read Paolo’s wonderful book, the power of inclusion on your culture, people, and the bottom line will likewise ‘click’ for you. The path forward will become clearer and the ‘how’ easier. This work matters and we need more successful initiatives. Lead well. – Bill Hummel, Vice President, ECS

Measuring Inclusion is a powerful contribution at a time when DEI is under scrutiny. Paolo Gaudiano provides both qualitative and quantitative tools to help organisations assess and improve inclusion. Clear, practical, and backed by evidence, it shows leaders not just why inclusion matters, but how to make it measurable and impactful.

Judges’ remarks from the Business Book Awards 2025.

Contents

  • Praise for Measuring Inclusion
  • Title Page
  • Copyright Page
  • Preface: the white elephant in the room
  • Foreword
  • Introduction
  • 1 Happier employees, higher profits
  • 2 Inclusion is invisible… but it can be measured
  • 3 The numbers don’t lie
  • 4 The stories behind the numbers
  • 5 I’ll have what she is having: success stories
  • 6 Six steps for measuring inclusion
  • 7 Lessons learned and practical advice
  • 8 Sometimes the DEI critics are right…
  • 9 … And sometimes they are wrong
  • 10 The rising tide of inclusion
  • Conclusion: can you judge a book by its cover?
  • Acknowledgments
  • Appendix: online resources
  • Notes
  • Index
  • About the author

Editions

FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP

Hardback / 9781788606066 / September 24, 2024 / £29.99

Paperback / 9781788606073 / September 24, 2024 / £19.99

Ebook / 9781788606097 / September 23, 2024 / £9.99

Paperback and eBook Bundle / £22.49

Authors

Paolo Gaudiano

With degrees in Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, and Computational Neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano jokes that he had literally done rocket science and brain surgery before turning to a really hard problem: how to create companies that have happier employees while making more money.

A former tenured professor turned entrepreneur, Paolo is Chief Scientist of Aleria, President of ARC, Adjunct at NYU Stern School of Business, and Chairman of the annual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference. These activities combine Paolo’s decades of experience in business, technology, and academia, to transform how people think about DEI and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable.

Paolo is a sought-after speaker, having presented his work at several hundred conferences and events around the world, including two TEDx talks. He is the author of dozens of academic papers and over 100 blogs in major online publications.

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