Diversity at work

Workplace diversity is the term used for the workplace composed of employees with varying characteristics, such as different sex, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

Workplace diversity is the term used for the workplace composed of employees with varying characteristics, such as different sex, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between individuals in an organization. Diversity not only includes how individuals identify themselves but also how others perceive them. Diversity within a workplace encompasses race, gender, ethnic groups, age, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service and mental and physical conditions, as well as other distinct differences between people.

Diversity in the workplace refers to an organization that intentionally employs a workforce comprised of individuals with a range of characteristics, such as gender, religion, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, and other attributes.

Many different characteristics, such as:

• Ethnicity
• Race
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Physical abilities and disabilities
• Religion
• Political beliefs
• Education
• Socioeconomic
• Geographical orientation
• Military service
• Language
• Culture

Most of the modern companies can sell their products all over the world, reaching many different groups of people. In order to successfully create, present and sell their products in this global market, companies need a diversified workforce.

Benefits of workplace diversity:

• Increased creativity
• Variety of different perspectives
• Increased problem-solving
• Improved employee engagement
• Reduced employee turnover
• Improved company reputation
• Improved hiring results
• Increased profits

More benefits to having diversity in the workplace:

• A diverse workplace will help organizations better understand target demographics and what moves them.
• Employees from diverse backgrounds imbue organizations with creative new ideas and perspectives informed by their cultural experiences.
• Increased customer satisfaction by improving how employees interact with a more diverse clientele and public.
• A diverse workplace can better align an organization’s culture with the demographic make-up of America.

Managing workplace diversity:

Prioritize Communication

To manage a diverse workplace, organizations need to ensure that they effectively communicate with employees. Policies, procedures, safety rules and other important information should be designed to overcome language and cultural barriers by translating materials and using pictures and symbols whenever applicable.

Treat Each Employee as an Individual

Avoid making assumptions about employees from different backgrounds. Instead, look at each employee as an individual and judge successes and failures on the individual’s merit rather than attributing actions to their background.

Encourage employees to work in diverse groups

Diverse work teams let employees get to know and value one another on an individual basis and can help break down preconceived notions and cultural misunderstandings.

Base Standards on Objective Criteria

Set one standard of rules for all groups of employees regardless of background. Ensure that all employment actions, including discipline, follow this standardized criteria to make sure each employee is treated the same.

Be Open-Minded

Recognize, and encourage employees to recognize, that one’s own experience, background, and culture are not the only with value to the organization. Look for ways to incorporate a diverse range of perspectives and talents into efforts to achieve organizational goals.

Hiring

To build a diverse workplace, it is crucial to recruit and hire talent from a variety of backgrounds. This requires leadership and others who make hiring decisions to overcome bias in interviewing and assessing talent. If organizations can break through bias and hire the most qualified people, those with the right education, credentials, experience and skill sets, a diverse workplace should be the natural result.