A Beginners Guide To Having Diversity In The Workplace

There was hardly any workplace diversity in the ancient world. Specific occupations and businesses were earmarked for specific communities, be it weaving, pottery, or butchery. In India, we see traces of this continuing through the ages to this day. However, it would be almost blasphemous if such patterns were to exist in modern workplaces. Not to mention, counterproductive too. 

Employers today are recruiting people from different backgrounds and profiles to ensure diversity in the workplace. This in itself is workplace diversity definition – a composite demographic within the office. And given its many advantages, it’s time you think of making an inclusive workplace a part of your business model. 

Benefits of Diversity In The Workplace 

Businesses stand to reap several benefits by successfully managing diversity in the workplace. It includes a wider perspective within the workforce and a more inclusive brand profile for outsiders. It propagates a broadminded and humane approach towards recruitment, which in turn can improve workplace morale.

Better Collaboration 

A diverse representation in the workplace ensures better ideas and creativity in operations. People from different ages and backgrounds offer different inputs, unlike a homogenous workforce who are likely to have similar perspectives. Thus, the importance of diversity can be seen in decision-making.

Improved Public Perception 

Advantages of diversity include a better corporate image. A diverse workforce shines a light on the public perception of a company, presenting it as more open-minded and adaptable. Customers also take notice of the diverse representation, which improves the overall brand perception.

Employee Improvement 

An inclusive workplace can go a long way in improving the quality of the workforce as well. Employees get exposed to diverse ideas and exchanges, enriching their perspectives and broadening their thought processes. Employee diversity in a workplace can also reduce conflicts in offices as people learn to embrace different ethnicities.

Better Employee Retention 

High attrition can become financial stress for companies. An inclusive organization sends out the message of commitment and inclusiveness for all. The diverse workforce feels more welcomed as a result. Employees also foster mutual respect for differences and help them to shed their inhibitions. Such employees are more likely to stay longer in the organization. 

How To Bring Diversity To The Workplace

Given the benefits that employers garner from it, bringing inclusiveness into the organization is important for them. Steps may include remodelling recruitment processes, increasing internal sensitization on diversity, and bringing in policy changes to accommodate the same. Let’s explore.

Revamping Recruitment Processes 

Relying on set recruitment sources and processes can lead to a homogenous recruitment pattern. Initiating outreach programs and visiting untapped communities and community employment offices as alternate options can work well to improve the recruitment process. You can also highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace on your company’s website and in press releases.

Targeted Internships & Scholarships 

Most companies have internship programs. Identifying under-represented communities and focusing on them through these internships can further help attract the right talent. Scholarships and mentoring should be aimed at such target groups so that the company can absorb selected candidates from such groups. 

Recognizing differences and embracing new perspectives 

Employee engagement should focus on maintaining the diverse nature of the workplace. Diversity training can further help sensitize employees. Office forums can also celebrate cultural diversity in the workplace, making everyone feel welcomed and a part of a bigger group.

Focusing On Retention & Policies 

Mere recruitment of a diverse workforce is not sufficient in itself. What should follow are adequate measures to maintain and retain a diverse workforce. Examples of diversity and inclusion may include hiring differently-abled people as well. In this case, the workplace can implement wheelchair-friendly interiors, braille signages, special ramps, etc. Working mothers may benefit from in-house daycare and creche facilities. Policies should be in place to encourage the management to adopt a pro-diversity philosophy, set up inclusion boards, etc. 

Conclusion

Human resource experts have observed the increasing need for diversity in the workplace, and organizations have benefited through its implementation. As business hubs worldwide become more and more cosmopolitan, inclusiveness will continue to grow in significance, making it the right time to include diversity in your workplace. 

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