The workplace is a place that comprises people from different backgrounds, with their unique characteristics. Diversity therefore encompasses the range of similarities and differences each individual brings to the workplace.
Workplace diversity has to do with the acceptance and inclusion of employees from all backgrounds. A workplace that encourages diversity will definitely thrive, because since it acknowledges the individual strength of each employee and the potential they bring to the workplace, such input will definitely propel the organization forward.
It might interest you to know that some organizations for reasons best known to them do not hire individuals from certain ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. What they do not understand is that lack of diversity will limit the company which will obviously stifle growth.
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In years to come, organizations that encourage diversity in the workplace will hold a distinct advantage over those who don’t, especially when it comes to recruiting and hiring of talents. Workplace diversity offers a lot of advantages to an organization.
To build a diverse workplace, it is pertinent for managers and HR’s who are mainly in charge of hiring employees, to overcome every bias when assessing and recruiting talents.
Here are four (4) advantages of diversity in the workplace
1.) Creates Productivity: According to a study conducted by Harvard Business review, it disclosed that the more diverse team members are in terms of demographics and deep-level diversity, the more creative and productive they are likely to be. Team members that view the same thing from different angles and perspectives, are more likely to get a wide range of ideas which will no doubt improve productivity in the workplace.
2.) Reduces Employee Turnover: Organizations that operate a diverse workplace, are said to have lower turnover rates. Once every team member feels welcomed and accepted, they become happy at the workplace which makes them stay longer. They feel relaxed in such a workplace, because any employee who doesn’t feel tolerated or wanted will not hesitate to leave. People also become dissatisfied quickly if they don’t connect with their peers or feel that their ideas and contribution in the workplace is not appreciated.
3.) Faster Problem Solving: A workplace that comprises diverse team members are often able to reach fast solutions to problems, and they usually come up with unique ideas and perspectives, than a team that shares similar backgrounds. Harvard Business review disclosed that team members are likely to solve cumbersome problems faster when they are cognitively diverse. No doubt a diverse team is smarter when they bring together an array of information, sources and experience of decision-making.
4.) Improves Organization Reputation: Diversity increases an organization’s customer base, because by operating a diverse workplace, the organization is more likely to learn about the preferences of various population segments. This enables them to adjust their products and services to make them appealing and enticing to different populations, which definitely increases their customer base.
Final Thoughts
There is a great need for organizations to embrace diversity in the workplace, because it offers a whole lot of advantages. From recruiting the best employees due to the absence of bias, to the effective corporation and bonding of team members which will positively impact the company’s revenue.