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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.
Whether its race, religion, ethnicity, culture, sex or another unique characteristic, workplace diversity has become a reality in many work environments.
Having a diverse work environment can be potentially beneficial to both the employer and employees. The results can include a better decision making process, greater innovation and creativity which can lead to improved business and product development. All of this can potentially result in increased sales to a broader range of consumers.
In addition, a diverse and multicultural workplace can also have more intangible benefits. For example, by building a diverse environment you are supporting open dialogue and discussion amongst employees, resulting in a more relaxed and productive environment.
Another benefit of a diverse work environment is that employee retention can be much higher for companies that have greater diversity. People like to feel comfortable in their work environment that includes a diverse range of employees. Nobody likes to be the only one at work. Therefore, a diversified workforce allows people to socialize and relax with co-workers which leads to higher job satisfaction and less employee turnover.
Although there are a number of benefits, there are certainly also challenges associated with having a diverse workplace.
A key challenge can be communication - overcoming cultural, language and perceptual barriers. These can all contribute to lack of teamwork, moral and productivity which can be very problematic. Ensure that you continue to communicate sensibly to employees in order to avoid this pitfall.
A reluctancy to accept change and perhaps even diversity itself can also represent a challenge. Unfortunately, there will always be someone at work that tends to resist change and innovation. This can represent a major barrier to managers and should be dealt with immediately.
A great way to embrace the diversity that makes up your work environment, is to create and implement a diversity plan for your company. In the plan, outline the steps you'll take to include diversity practices in anything from hiring to your decision making process. This is one major step to avoid challenges that may impact the operations of your business.
To get more information and ideas on how to take advantage of a diverse work environment, ask the experts at ClearFit.
Whether its race, religion, ethnicity, culture, sex or another unique characteristic, workplace diversity has become a reality in many work environments.
Having a diverse work environment can be potentially beneficial to both the employer and employees. The results can include a better decision making process, greater innovation and creativity which can lead to improved business and product development. All of this can potentially result in increased sales to a broader range of consumers.
In addition, a diverse and multicultural workplace can also have more intangible benefits. For example, by building a diverse environment you are supporting open dialogue and discussion amongst employees, resulting in a more relaxed and productive environment.
Another benefit of a diverse work environment is that employee retention can be much higher for companies that have greater diversity. People like to feel comfortable in their work environment that includes a diverse range of employees. Nobody likes to be the only one at work. Therefore, a diversified workforce allows people to socialize and relax with co-workers which leads to higher job satisfaction and less employee turnover.
Although there are a number of benefits, there are certainly also challenges associated with having a diverse workplace.
A key challenge can be communication - overcoming cultural, language and perceptual barriers. These can all contribute to lack of teamwork, moral and productivity which can be very problematic. Ensure that you continue to communicate sensibly to employees in order to avoid this pitfall.
A reluctancy to accept change and perhaps even diversity itself can also represent a challenge. Unfortunately, there will always be someone at work that tends to resist change and innovation. This can represent a major barrier to managers and should be dealt with immediately.
A great way to embrace the diversity that makes up your work environment, is to create and implement a diversity plan for your company. In the plan, outline the steps you'll take to include diversity practices in anything from hiring to your decision making process. This is one major step to avoid challenges that may impact the operations of your business.
To get more information and ideas on how to take advantage of a diverse work environment, ask the experts at ClearFit.
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