by Diversity is any characteristic, perspective, or approach to work, that different individuals bring to the workplace. It includes visible and non-visible characteristics such as:
- Cultural: Ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, lifestyle, marital/family status, religion, language.
- Physical: Age, gender, race, colour, abilities, appearance, cognitive style, personality.
- Socio-economic: Education, profession, job function, social class.
When people feel respected and their differences are accommodated rather than ostracized, they are better able to realize their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to their workplace. An environment that is positive and motivating for its people increases worker satisfaction, productivity and retention. In addition, the broader perspective of diverse teams facilitates innovation and provides clients and customers with increased value.
Diversity in the workplace simply makes good business sense, and can bring about many benefits, including the following:
- Improved employee morale, performance, and productivity through equitable workplace practices that select, develop, and treat people based on merit and fairness.
- Improved marketing and customer service through better understanding and accommodation of diverse customer groups and their needs.
- Improved ability to attract and recruit top talent.
- Reduced risk of discrimination lawsuits as a result of more just and nondiscriminatory environment.
- Improved retention and cost reductions due to lower absenteeism and turnover.
- Improved corporate image, which generates public goodwill.
- Improved employee creativity, problem-solving and decision-making through effective management of diverse perspectives and “creative conflict”.
- Eligibility for government contracts for which minority or gender-balanced businesses are given preference.
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