In order to build a global and open-minded organization, it is critical to promote inclusiveness and diversity in the workplace. Businesses typically employ people from many cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, thus it is vital to establish a welcoming work atmosphere for all (Williams, 2011). Accepting diversity allows organizations to better understand their customers, clients, and workers. Diversity also makes the workplace more personal and fascinating for everyone. Companies must collect employee background information in order to build comprehensive diversity policy.
Establishing diversity committees. Employee buy-in is critical to fulfilling the company's diversity goals. One approach to obtaining employee buy-in is by creating stand-alone diversity committees composed of employees from all facets of the company’s workforce (Hodgins, Fleming, & Griffiths, 2017). It’s also important to empower diversity committees to enable them to develop diversity statements that are consistent with organization’s goals, and that can also empower the diverse workforce.
Aligning diversity programs with strategic plans. The key to the achievement of long-term success of diversity programs is by developing diversity strategies. According to Hodgins, Fleming & Griffiths (2017), strategic plans for diversity must involve quantitative goals together with the specific timeline for measuring progress and reaching the benchmark. The organization should have well-defined strategies to help the business realize its goals.
Encourage employees to seek new ideas and perspectives. Employees from different backgrounds and culture assume different approaches to business issues. Creating a work environment where different ideas and perspectives are embraced and valued can promote productive work relationships (Rojas, 2017). Seeking expertise, ideas and advice from other employees promote communication and foster an inclusive organizational culture.
Workforce inclusion and diversity promotes employee commitment, retention, productivity and team collaboration which add value to organization’s services to customers. Today’s business environment is highly competitive, and every opportunity must be utilized. Successful diversity programs can provide businesses an edge to be more competitive.
References
Hodgins, M., Fleming, P., & Griffiths, J. (2017). Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. Promoting Health and Well-Being in the Workplace, 197-214. doi:10.1057/978-1-137-37543-8_10.
Rojas, R. R. (2017). Diversity and Workplace Spirituality. Diversity and Inclusion in the Global Workplace, 81-107. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-54993-4_5.
Williams, R. (2011). Promoting Diversity in the Workplace. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com.
