The survey found that firms in Scotland plan to prioritise training their staff on diversity and inclusion (31%) as they strive to build a more inclusive working environment. A similar number (27%) intend to have a more diverse team of employees and a fifth (20%) want to adopt more flexible working arrangements.

But for many businesses, delivering their plans will require external support and guidance. One in three (30%) said they need access to specialist HR skills, and more than a fifth (23%) said financial incentives from government would help with their progress towards building a more inclusive workforce. Legislation from government was cited by 22% as essential to help them move forward.

Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s great to see that so many businesses across the country are prioritising creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the world we live in. Businesses with workforces that truly reflect our communities are often the ones that thrive.

“We all have a responsibility to work together to build environments where all colleagues can prosper. By becoming allies and celebrating each other’s successes, we can empower each other and unlock the fantastic benefits that a more diverse and inclusive workplaces create.”