EQ : It’s 2016. Why is diversity still a problem?

Have you ever viewed a spot, targeted toward you, only to notice that your own gender or ethnicity is not represented in the slightest? Unfortunately, ethnic misrepresentation and lack of diversity has been an ongoing issue brands and agencies face when creating campaigns. But the question is, 'Still?'

Recently, 'Stand up To Cancer UK's' most recent digital campaign partnered with YouTube to showcase popular creators promoting its cancer-fighting message. So what's the problem? Every creator featured was white - albeit a mix of both sexes were nicely displayed.

The YouTube community is known as a diverse rainbow of creative individuals from across the globe, and yet only white sensations were featured in the campaign. Angered viewers responded loud and clear on Twitter questioning the organization's choice of representation. 'So does cancer only affect white people?' and, 'Your campaign features ZERO ethnic minorities. Please explain?! There are so many people you could use' were common sentiments.

However, the advertising industry is in the hot seat for not just creating poorly represented advertisements but for its lack of diversity and gender inequality at top agencies and firms.

It is important to keep in mind the importance of diversity in the workplace when looking to hire new talent for your company - and here's why:

1. Synergy Among Coworkers - when each employee feels a sense of belonging and respect in the workplace an overall company synergy will form and increase employee productivity and potential business success
2. Appealing Culture - Retain and attract top talent with a diverse office culture that is oh-so important for new millennial hires. Additionally, a diverse office may mean a new pool of languages available on-hand, that could enable international affairs and lead to a more diverse clientele
3. Diverse Thinking - Male and female employees from different cultural backgrounds each bring a new point of view to the table which lends for creative problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking

EQ's CEO, Geoff Rotstein, strongly believes that a diverse workplace is key for a positive company / employee relationship, 'We make diversity a priority. Having men and women of all ethnicities in our office makes up our society and that is more important than ever.'

In order to create truly moving work, both on and off screen, creators and creations must be proper reflections of reality. This is a fact.