Today’s workplace isn’t your grandfather’s workplace. In fact, it’s not even your father’s or mother’s workplace. The current work environment has changed demographically and will continue to evolve. It is beneficial for employees, managers, and leadership to be aware of the many changes that have taken place and learn how to adapt to them. Today’s workplace consists of people from different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. These changes have been coming for some time, due in part, to the global market. It’s probably a good idea for organizations to appreciate and practice diversity and equality.
What is Diversity?
Understanding and appreciating differences among people based on numerous differences is a good definition of diversity. Some of these differences include age, class, race and ethnicity, gender and sexual identity. Diversity also includes spiritual or religious practices, political views and geographical location. Diversity also involves celebrating the fact that we are not alike and that we value, acknowledge and accept the differences between us. Many people now agree that diversity is necessary in the workplace and can be very beneficial to employees and the organization as a whole.
Ethnocentrism
To truly understand diversity, we must be aware of our own ethnocentric thinking. Ethnocentrism means that we believe that our own culture’s way of doing things is the best way or the only way. This can be a self-defeating way to think because there are lots of ideas out there, way beyond those of our own culture. There are many ways of looking at something and diversity can open our eyes to seeing the world in a new light.
How does Diversity Benefit the Workplace?
When employees respect each other’s differences, they can get a lot done. Productivity can increase. Lawsuits based on discrimination can be minimized or eliminated altogether. Marketing ideas can reach new and diverse populations, meaning more revenue. Creativity in the organization may improve. The organization’s image can improve. Diversity can also motivate your employees to be more genuine and provide better services. Teams can work in harmony. Customers may be more impressed with a highly diverse workforce. And the organization may be more appealing to suppliers, vendors and the community.
What are Some Challenges of a Diverse Workplace?
Diversity will not make everyone happy, and as a result, employees and managers may leave the organization. Mixing lots of different people together may backfire, and increased prejudice, discrimination and legal actions may be the result. Negative attitudes and behaviors from employees may destroy teamwork and relationships. Morale and productivity may suffer. Increased stereotyping and cultural bias may surface and miscommunication can occur.
Managing a Diverse Workforce
Before managers can manage a group of diverse people, they should learn to manage themselves. This means they reflect on their own attitudes. How do they see differences in people? Do they value them? Managers must understand how prejudice and discrimination can destroy an organization. It helps to embrace difference and make a commitment to lead it. They can become agents of change concerning diversity and equality among their employees.
Final Words
The workplace is changing and becoming more and more diverse. No two people are the same, and that’s a good thing. The world is shrinking and we now work within a global market where people come from many different countries to live and work in the United States. Diversity doesn’t have to be stressful. Have fun with it and enjoy it. Just because we’re different doesn’t make us wrong!