The impact of diversity in the work environment goes beyond the concrete advantages related to performance. We must also consider aspects such as social gain and human relationships. After all, we spend a lot of time at work and build relationships in these environments, right?
If the work environment can make this more evident, by valuing diversity, then it can also help us to be better human beings. But is there a more significant impact than this?
Continue reading to understand the details and beauty of diversity in the workplace.
Diversity today: what does this concept mean?
In recent years, the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace has extended to ensuring that companies increase the participation, performance, and compensation of minorities, and no longer means symbolic hiring just to ‘tick a box’.
Although, companies have recognized the huge value that hiring a diverse range of individuals and personalities can add to their business, what do these mean within the context of the workplace?
Put very simply, diversity at work means a company hires a wide range of diverse individuals. Diversity is often misconceived as solely multicultural matters, however, it also applies to a mix of genders, races, ethnicities, ages, sexualities, languages, education, backgrounds, and so on.
Why invest in diversity in the workplace?
A study by McKinsey & Company on corporate diversity points out that employees feel more comfortable being who they are in companies that value diversity, which makes them more accomplished, creative, and stimulated to propose new ideas.
The study also showed that diversity favors leaders, increasing agreement between employees and leaders by 80%. In addition, leadership work is better perceived as team-oriented and innovation-driven.
And that’s just the tip of the success-berg. Here are some real and immediate benefits of diversity in the workplace:
• Increased productivity: A diverse workplace allows for more ideas and processes. This diversity of talent means a broader range of skills among employees, as well as a unique mixture of experiences and perspectives which increases the potential for increased productivity.
• Increased creativity: As various cultures and backgrounds work together, the opportunity for increased creativity exists. This is because there are more people with differing perspectives and solutions to problems, allowing for a greater chance of a successful solution to a workplace problem.
• Improved cultural awareness: A diverse range of cultures within the workplace allows companies to deal with the different nuances within a global marketplace. Companies benefit from hiring professionals with a broad range of skills that are often not accessible when hiring locally. Globally- oriented companies can add to their service range by leveraging the skills and experience their international employees bring to the table.
• Attract and retain the best talent: Companies that have a diverse workplace are often perceived as better employers. Potential employees want an employer who accepts and is tolerant of all backgrounds and who treats their employees fairly.
• Increase in marketing opportunities: If potential employees or customers see that a company represents a diverse workplace, it makes them feel like they can relate to the company more. Using advertising that depicts mature-aged, differently-abled, or ethnically diverse people encourages applicants to apply, promotes a positive reputation, increases marketplace awareness, and generates a more diverse client base.
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