If you're at work right now, have a look around. In the year 2009, chances are that you are just one of many different individuals sitting at your office representing the rich diversity of our society.
Diversity can manifest itself into many different characteristics. Whether its sex, age, religion, culture or any other unique characteristic - workplace diversity is a reality these days in many offices around the world.
A diverse workplace can be beneficial to both employers and employees. A better decision making process, greater innovation and creativity which leads to improved business and product development can all stem out of a range of cultures and ethnicities. Above all, this can all result in increased sales to a larger pool of customers.
Also, a diverse work environment can lead to more intangible benefits to the company as a whole. For example, by building a diverse work environment, you are indirectly supporting an open dialogue and discussion amongst employees. This results in a more relaxed and productive work environment.
Multiculturalism in the workplace also results in higher employee retention amongst companies that emphasize diversity. All employees like to feel comfortable at work, and a diverse pool of employees provides comfort especially to those that represent or feel that they are the minority at work. This leads to a more relaxed and productive workplace, increasing job satisfaction and reducing employee turnover.
Even though a diverse workplace can present numerous benefits to both employer and employee, it may also bring with it a number of challenges.
Cultural, language and perceptual barriers can all stem from a lack of communication. Team work, moral and productivity can all suffer which can really effect the flow and feel of your work environment. To avoid this happening, ensure that you continue to communicate sensibly and openly with your employees.
Other challenges include a reluctance to accept change, and perhaps even diversity itself. There will always be individuals who prefer to do things the way they've always been done. This attitude inhibits innovation and can present a challenge to managers.
Creating and implementing a diversity plan is just one way you can avoid challenges that may affect the operations of your company. In it, outline the steps and processes you'll take to ensure that you include diversity in all aspects of your business from hiring to decision making.
For more information on how to take advantage of a diverse work environment, visit the experts at ClearFit.
Diversity can manifest itself into many different characteristics. Whether its sex, age, religion, culture or any other unique characteristic - workplace diversity is a reality these days in many offices around the world.
A diverse workplace can be beneficial to both employers and employees. A better decision making process, greater innovation and creativity which leads to improved business and product development can all stem out of a range of cultures and ethnicities. Above all, this can all result in increased sales to a larger pool of customers.
Also, a diverse work environment can lead to more intangible benefits to the company as a whole. For example, by building a diverse work environment, you are indirectly supporting an open dialogue and discussion amongst employees. This results in a more relaxed and productive work environment.
Multiculturalism in the workplace also results in higher employee retention amongst companies that emphasize diversity. All employees like to feel comfortable at work, and a diverse pool of employees provides comfort especially to those that represent or feel that they are the minority at work. This leads to a more relaxed and productive workplace, increasing job satisfaction and reducing employee turnover.
Even though a diverse workplace can present numerous benefits to both employer and employee, it may also bring with it a number of challenges.
Cultural, language and perceptual barriers can all stem from a lack of communication. Team work, moral and productivity can all suffer which can really effect the flow and feel of your work environment. To avoid this happening, ensure that you continue to communicate sensibly and openly with your employees.
Other challenges include a reluctance to accept change, and perhaps even diversity itself. There will always be individuals who prefer to do things the way they've always been done. This attitude inhibits innovation and can present a challenge to managers.
Creating and implementing a diversity plan is just one way you can avoid challenges that may affect the operations of your company. In it, outline the steps and processes you'll take to ensure that you include diversity in all aspects of your business from hiring to decision making.
For more information on how to take advantage of a diverse work environment, visit the experts at ClearFit.
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