Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Diversity in the Workplace

Diversification in the workplace can be defined as consisting of different races, genders, ethnic groups, ages, religions, country of origin, social and cultural differences as well as other distinct differences between people who come together to function as a team for a specific business organization

Diversification in the workplace is a scorching issue, particularly in human resource development. The understanding of this is entirely different for different people. Some create a diverse workforce just because he or she is told to do so, compelled to create something forcefully. On the other hand, there are others as well who implement diversification, realizing the multiple benefits of it, without any compulsion from higher authorities.

Diversity allows us to properly understand and realize the individual characteristics of people that make them unique and different. Individuals make a business entity. Without individual performances, a business organization cannot be successful. This is precisely why a diverse employee base is needed so that people from different backgrounds and skills can come together and work together for the betterment of a corporate entity.

Different work requires different approaches. From marketing to HR to just sitting and processing data entry, everything requires one’s own unique characteristics and approach.

Inclusion in the Workplace

Now, inclusion can be defined as a situation or an environment where all people are given equal importance and are treated fairly and respectfully. Achievement of such an environment is not only necessary for equality but also because it provides the individuals access to equal and solid opportunities and resources.

When people feel they are treated equally, the potential work performance increases, which ultimately leads to the organization’s success.

Inclusion differs from diversification because it involves engaging different types of people, but giving them equal importance. Inclusion always helps in giving a sense of belonging. This can help in the work culture shift that creates a higher performing organization where motivation and morale are incredibly high. 

How to Increase Diversity in the Workplace

• Leadership– Driving the process from the highest authority can help because everybody listens and pays attention to a leader.
• Cultural connectivity– Reviewing every element from the value chain to suppliers to vendors and customers can help one evaluate diversification.
• Strategize well- Making a proper plan that is inclusive, encouraging, transparent and equal based is very supportive and helpful in the proper implementation of the process.
• Unilateral decision making- The appointment of a hiring panel to keep track of biases in every step of the recruitment process plays a critical factor. A diverse panel helps to generate favorable results in the long-run.
• Posting vacancies in different places- Posting vacancies in various settings like gyms, malls, libraries, and hospitals help attract a more diverse talent pool.

Promoting Inclusion in the Workplace

• Educating– Educating the leaders as well as other executives, will make them realize the true meaning behind it. Leaders are the one who set standards, so if they create a favorable working environment, then others will follow too and work even harder.
• Forming a council- An inclusion council can be made consisting of a dedicated group of leaders who will be involved in goal setting around all the processes including hiring, managing, retaining and advancing for better engagement and results.
• Respecting cultures- One of the best ways to make employers comfortable is to show them respect. Celebrating their culture and tradition in the workplace not only makes them happy but also supports cross-culture interactions and relations.
• Paying attention to them– This is one of the most important aspects. To better understand someone, you need to listen to them. Listening to employee’s needs and problems and giving them support should be a must for better functioning.
• Effective meetings– Meetings are not only meant for marketing and formulating strategies. It should also be conducted for the one-to-one interaction that is very important for the deep root understanding of the mental status of employees.

Benefits of Equality Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplaces

• Easy recruitment– Diversity and inclusion together allows the organization to recruit well. Finding employees can be tiring, but with the benefit of both, the process can be made easier.
• Performance benefits– Implementing both diversification and inclusion in the workforce enhances employee performance and benefits the organization.
• Innovative and creative output- Diversity promotes creativity because of a unique perspective of involvement. Inclusion promotes innovation since it allows every individual to work together.
• Happy services– Happy employees would automatically give rise to satisfied customers. This helps to build effective goodwill and customer relationship in the long-run.

It is essential and important for the management or the employees to match and connect with the assigned team, no matter the background is. It might not be flawless, but there are effective and positive returns upon the implementation of these practices’ diversity and inclusion. A proper combination of these elements results in the best output, be it life or any workplace.

Aditya works as a Growth Assistant at AirTract.Com, a social platform wherein people ask questions, write articles, share knowledge and experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and has been working in the field of Digital Marketing for the past two years. He is also a voracious reader and a big sports fan.

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