Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practices and Immigrant Human Resources in the Italian Workplace: Pursuing Organizational and Societal Value

Also in light of current trends and contradictions in the Italian model of labor inclusion of people with migrant background, the chapter builds on the results of a recent national qualitative research on DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) practices in the workplace addressed to immigrants and refugees. This is done with the aim of delving into a set of conditions and processes underlying the gradual emergence—in the country—of experiences valorizing the potential for organiza-tions’ objectives and competitiveness represented by immigrants’ human capital. In particular, key points on which the analysis focuses range from organizational strategies in recruiting migrants to subsequent steps in the inclusive management of them, and from various kinds of benefits generated by DEI actions to factors—in and around organizations—facilitating their success. The resulting scenario is finally re-framed, from a national (and European) perspective, by dwelling on the implica-tions, tensions, and prospects linked to the DEI practices observed. This highlights the role of work organizations as laboratories of social innovation that are decisive for the long-term sustainability of our societies’ development models.