The Hong Kong session of Lloyd’s global diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiative took place yesterday to a packed room.

The afternoon panel discussion by key industry players answered practical questions on embracing D&I within a company. Registrants sent in questions related to managing and encouraging diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness in a professional context.

Roger Steel, managing director of Hong Kong and Macau at Willis Towers Watson acknowledged the importance of utilizing data and innovative recruitment practices. Data, according to Steel, can and should be used as an effective way to understand and remedy the gender pay gap, while recruitment departments can take steps to ensure diverse talents, perhaps through the use of anonymized resumes.

Jessica Chan, senior account manager at Aon emphasized that individuals can take the first step to meet like-minded people in their company, even if that means crossing business units and comfort zones to move things forward.

In a commentary piece by Iain Ferguson, regional director of Lloyd’s Asia and president of Lloyd’s Japan, Ferguson noted that: “in insurance, diversity and inclusion are essential for the ability of teams to make balanced decisions, mitigate uncertainty and work with stakeholders effectively. The business case for diversity and inclusion remains strong and investing in this area will continue to pay dividends.”

Dive In was established in 2015 in London by a group of firms in the Lloyd’s Market for the development of inclusive workplace cultures. Since 2015, it has expanded globally with events in 50 cities and 27 countries attracting more than 9,000 attendees.