Diversity in the workplace refers to including and accepting all employees and their differences, whether those differences stem from gender, race, age, religious or ethnic background, sexual orientation or physical ability. In a global marketplace, a diverse work force may give you an advantage in serving the needs of your diverse client or customer base. It also may increase market opportunities, production, creativity and innovation, according to the University of Florida.
Step 1
Make diversity a priority during your hiring process. Identify your needs first, advises the "Wall Street Journal." Take a look at the demographics of your customer base, the location where your business is and the products or services you sell to guide you in making your work force more diverse. Advertise for jobs in mainstream as well as ethnic media.
Step 2
Include diversity training in your employee training manual and make it a part of your orientation program for new employees. Consult an organization that teaches workplace diversity for assistance, if needed. Ensure that all employees, managers and supervisors are also well trained in diversity issues and programs.
Step 3
Ensure that all employees receive the same training for the same job, as well as the soft skills they need to succeed in a culturally diverse workplace.
Step 4
Create policies that address the needs of your diverse work force, for instance, acknowledgments of special religious or cultural holidays, flexible work arrangements, or services for people with disabilities.
Step 5
Take advantage of opportunities to reinforce your company's diversity policies, for instance, in the company newsletter, workshops and seminars or as part of a mentoring program.
Step 6
Implement a system to ensure that all promotion opportunities are clearly communicated to your employees and that all qualified employees have an equal opportunity to pursue those promotions.
Step 7
Create policies and a clearly defined process to address issues of discrimination or racism in your company. Let employees know that they have recourse if they are faced with these issues and will not be penalized for raising them.
Tips and Warnings
- Be open and transparent about your hiring policies with your employees, advises the "Wall Street Journal" It helps to allay skepticism or resentment and fosters a healthier workplace culture.
- Do not ignore issues such as racist, ethnocentric or sexist language in the workplace, or you may find yourself battling a messy and expensive lawsuit.
References
- Cornell University ILR School: Workplace Diversity Introduction
- University of Florida: Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and the Required Managerial Tools
- Wall Street Journal: How to Increase Workplace Diversity
- National Center for Research in Vocational Education: Diversity Training at the Workplace
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