(From Business Wire) -- As innovation becomes more of a key differentiator for the world's largest companies, organizations increasingly see having a diverse and inclusive workforce as critical to driving the creation and execution of new products, services, and business processes, according to a new study released by Forbes Insights.

"Fostering Innovation Through a Diverse Workforce" is based on an exclusive survey of 321 executives at large global enterprises ($500 million-plus in annual revenues). All respondents had direct responsibility or oversight for their companies' diversity and inclusion programs. The study was sponsored by AT&T, L'Oral USA, and Mattel.

According to the survey, a diverse and inclusive workforce is necessary to drive innovation and promote creativity - 85% of respondents agreed (48% strongly so) that diversity is crucial to gaining the perspectives and ideas that foster innovation. As importantly, more than three quarters indicated that their companies will put more focus over the next three years to leverage diversity for their business goals, including innovation.

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