Diversity in the workplace is all about creating a workplace environment that is inclusive of everyone’s individual differences in order to enable them to achieve their greatest potential. Studies have shown that businesses with more diverse workplaces are known to perform better both culturally and financially. A diverse workplace provides employees with various learning opportunities as they interact with each other. In addition, having a diverse workplace fosters a positive working environment for your employees where they can grow as individuals. In this article we’ll look at some of the benefits of having a diverse workplace.
BROADEN YOUR TALENT POOL
When your business is diverse, you have vast talent resources at your disposal. This is because your employees will have a multitude of skills and experiences from their various backgrounds. This will in turn enable them to collaborate and learn from each other making earning your organisation a team of well-rounded employees.
PROMOTE INNOVATION
Diverse teams become are better prepared for decision-making and accomplishing the task at hand. A sense of complacency and sameness in thinking is more likely in homogeneous teams than in diverse teams. Differences among team members force each person to anticipate that there will be alternative and unexpected viewpoints to consider and evaluate. Reaching consensus takes effort. People will work harder to communicate their own thinking, and as a result broaden their own views to consider unexpected perspectives of others. This takes more work and preparation, but it’s more significantly valuable for businesses. s
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
In most cases, businesses with a diverse employee workforce are known to also have an equally diverse customer base. This is primarily due to the fact that customers are attracted to business that demonstrate solutions for their needs. Ergo, by understanding the diverse needs of their customer base, these businesses are able to flourish. Diverse employees can also help grow your business by synthesising communication specific to their various socio-economic groups.
IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS REPUTATION
A business is only as good as its reputation. A diverse workforce enables your employees to form positive and meaningful relationships. These positive relationships turn into positive stories that will be shared and spread which then propagates a positive relationship for your business. In addition, potential employees and customers are drawn to employers and businesses that are accepting and tolerant of individuals from different backgrounds.
EMPOWERS MARGINALISED WORKERS
In many instances, members of the workforce have found themselves marginalised and experienced some form of discrimination due to racism, ageism, ableism, sexism and sexual orientation. This discrimination, and its various combinations is both unethical and illegal [in most territories]. Having a diverse workforce allows people in these diverse marginalised groups to showcase their talents and support themselves financially in order to improve their standard of living while still earning their organisations a profit.
ENCOURAGE POSITIVE CONFLICT.
When a group of people are around each other for extended periods of time, conflicts will inevitably occur. The workplace is no different. However, employees who work in a diverse environment are able to acknowledge others’ differences and can find similarities, among them that will enable them to quickly move past the disputes and get back to work.
ENRICHES COMPANY CULTURE
A diverse workplace is generally happier and more productive. This is because it is open to people of all backgrounds, ages, cultures etc. which serves to ensure that everyone id represented and each voice is heard. A diverse workplace fosters a more accepting and adaptable company culture as people are more tolerant towards each other. This in turn creates high performing teams.
