A diverse workplace is a bit of a hot topic these days and for good reason. With different genders, sexual orientation, races, religions, abilities, ages, and ethnicities, it makes sense that the workplace should reflect that diversity.
Adding diversity in the workplace is when a company purposely hires a workforce made of employees with different backgrounds.
By doing so, many companies have seen improvement in the performance of employees.
In this article, you’ll find out how to find a company that prioritizes diversity and some tips on how to tailor your resume before applying.
If you’re an employer, you’ll find out how to create a positive and inclusive workplace for your employees and the benefits that it brings.
Don’t just make your office better for the numbers, dive in and find out why diversity is the best policy.
What Is an Inclusive Culture at Work?
An inclusive culture at work is one where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences. It’s a culture where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and feel like they belong.
On the one hand, the gap between the amount of male and female workers has closed to a difference of around 5% of the workforce.
However, the difference between minority and white non-Hispanic employees is still pretty large.
Over 60% of workers were classified as non-Hispanic whites according to 2022 U.S. Census numbers. Around 17% of workers were Hispanic (and count for 18.9% of the US population*), only 11.7% were black non-Hispanic (13.6% of the US population*), and 5.9% were Asian (6.1% of the US population*).
There is still a way to go to add more diversity in work settings around the country.
However, the good news is that these numbers are slowly shifting, and companies are welcoming more and more inclusion.
An inclusive culture at work is not only more enjoyable for employees, but it also leads to better business outcomes.
Studies have shown that companies with diverse and inclusive workplace cultures have higher employee morale and job satisfaction, which in turn leads to lower turnover rates and improved financial performance.
Examples of Diversity in the Workplace
When you hear inclusion in the workplace, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is racial and ethnic differences.
However, diversity in the workplace can encompass a wide range of differences, including, but not limited to:
- Age
- Gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Sexual orientation
- Physical abilities
- Neurodiversity
- Religion
- Education
- Life experiences
- Political beliefs
- Socioeconomic background
It is important to note that diversity goes beyond numbers and percentages. It also includes creating an inclusive environment that supports and values all employees, regardless of their differences.
Benefits of Diversity and an Inclusive Workspace
Diversity at the office brings plenty of positives with it. For example, in an increasingly globalized world, who wouldn’t want to have employees that are bilingual or multilingual on their team?
That’s why it’s a great idea to look for a job with co-workers from different backgrounds.
A diverse set of employees adds good vibes to an organization.
There are a few notable benefits of an inclusive culture at work, including:
- Improved decision-making: With a variety of perspectives, companies can make better decisions and find creative solutions to problems.
- Increased innovation: A diverse workforce leads to more creative thinking and creation.
- Better financial performance: Companies that add more diverse teams tend to increase their financial performance.
- Enhanced employee morale: When everyone feels valued, it leads to higher employee morale and job satisfaction.
Not only does a diverse workforce often lead to a happy environment, but also a more financially successful one.
How Job Seekers Can Find a Diverse Work Environment
Not every company is all aboard the diversity movement just yet. So, how do you make sure you are applying to a company that emphasizes inclusion?
One of the most common ways you can find a diverse company is by networking. Asking people you know about their teams at work is an easy way to get some insight into the culture, type of hiring process and the people a company is hiring.
Apart from networking, there are job boards that specifically target people from different backgrounds and groups.
If you are part of an underrepresented group, you can use these types of job boards to get in touch with recruiters looking for employees that fit your background.
When hunting for a vacancy that fits your criteria, these methods can really come in handy.
How to Create a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
If you are an employer, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace takes effort, but it’s worth it.
There are a few methods that have been proven to help offices add diversity. Here are a few tips on how to build a more inclusive workplace:
- Establish policies: Establish policies that promote diversity and inclusion, such as anti-discrimination policies and flexible work arrangements.
- Foster open communication: Encourage open and respectful communication among employees, regardless of their differences.
- Learning: Provide training to employees on diversity, equity, and inclusion to raise awareness and understanding.
- Host diversity events: Celebrate different cultures and backgrounds by hosting events that promote diversity and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
Studying an applicant’s objective or summary statement can help you choose the candidates who fit a position, and looking at their extra sections can give you more information on them as a person.
Diversity Activities for the Workplace
In addition to the steps above, it’s a great idea to actively promote diversity in the workplace through various activities.
Some specific types of training and programs include:
- Diversity and inclusion training: Teach employees about diversity, equality, and inclusion in regular training sessions.
- Employee resource groups: Create employee resource groups where employees from similar backgrounds can come together and support each other.
- Mentorship programs: Match employees from diverse backgrounds to serve as mentors and mentees, promoting a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Unconscious bias training: Teach employees about unconscious bias and how to recognize and overcome it.
Taking part in these activities and creating an inclusive culture takes effort from both employees and employers.
Also, by keeping an open mind, giving feedback, and being respectful you can be a positive influence in your work setting.
With the right attitude and methods, companies will continue to diversify throughout the country.
(Footnote: *Population data taken from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts [2020 thru 2022].)
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