You should encourage and manage diversity in your workplace — not because it’s politically correct (and the right thing to do), but because it helps you improve and maintain your competitive advantage. Today’s fast-paced business world and ever-changing technology have taken employers beyond traditional boundaries, sometimes forcing you to adjust to differences in culture quickly. For example, an international buyer who saw your web page may want to propose a contract for your company’s product or services. Here are some reasons you should consider developing a diversity program.
Encourage Diversity
Americans have perhaps been slower than the rest of the world in moving toward diversity in the workplace and realizing the benefits of a well-developed diversity management program. Adjusting to diversity in the workplace means more than just accepting another person as he is and giving him the equal opportunity of employment.
Here are some reasons for encouraging diversity:
Recruiting and Retaining Employees. In a tight labor market, it’s critical to be able to attract and retain quality employees. Employees have come to expect discrimination– and harassment-free workplaces. In an accepting and diverse environment where employees feel valued, turnover is less likely, and productivity will probably increase.
In addition, a diverse workplace issues an invitation to talented people from all cultures. Employees are often attracted to companies that are committed to recruiting and promoting a wide variety of people.
Understanding an Expanding Customer Base. Minorities are actually the majority in six out of eight of America’s largest metropolitan areas. The combined buying power of minority consumers has continued to increase. Women are the primary purchasers in more than half of U.S. households.
Employees should reflect the diversity of a global marketplace, if only to better serve your customers. A better understanding of your customers’ cultures and an ability to relate to them can provide your company with a major competitive edge in international markets.
Increasing Creativity. Employees from varied backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to the workplace. When employees question and challenge past practices, new ideas are generated, and improved products and services may result.
Increasing Flexibility. A diverse workplace has learned to accept differences between people and changes in the way business is done. That flexibility is crucial to the survival of any business. The only constant in the business world is change. Diversity puts your business in a position to grow and handle change.
Bottom Line
Diversity plans are designed to go a step beyond affirmative action. Even if your business isn’t required to have an affirmative action plan, you should consider implementing a diversity plan. These programs encourage supervisors and employees to understand and accept one another’s differences and similarities and to work together to make full use of each employee’s strengths. They may also have an effect on your bottom line, decreasing the number of discrimination claims filed against you. That sounds like a good thing.