It’s no surprise that the words diversity and inclusion are buzzwords in today’s workplace and society. Although nearly everyone has heard them in their daily lives, it’s important for us to always think critically about what they mean, how that meaning evolves, whether as a business or as a society, and the overall benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
While many large businesses and organizations focus on diversity across various categories, it is important to recognize the value of each aspect and their collective impact.
What is Diversity?
Diversity refers to the variety of characteristics and experiences that shape our identities. It encompasses categories such as:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Religion and beliefs
- Culture
- Sexual Orientation
- Physical and cognitive abilities
A truly diverse organization appreciates and values all of these categories, not just one or two.
The Importance of Diversity
Diversity is essential for businesses and society as a whole. Teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences tend to produce better results. This is because diverse teams can draw from different perspectives and values to solve problems collaboratively. This leads to more creative and effective solutions to problems you may face in your business.
Curious about DEI events coming up? Check out our DEI Calendar 2024 highlights.
Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion
When you learn more about each member of your team, you can create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and respect. This helps to break down barriers that may initially cause a struggle with teamwork. Diversity training teaches the support and empathy necessary to ensure that all differences are used positively to help boost productivity rather than lower it.
Because our world has become more interconnected, there has been a rise in global teams at some of the largest world businesses. By strategizing how to best understand and leverage the strengths of your diverse team, your business can continuously grow and flourish as a unified team.
Yes, diversity is here to stay, but the topic is always evolving.
What is Diversity Without Inclusion?
While we do see diversity making great strides, oftentimes diversity exists without inclusion. Yes, you have a diverse staff, but are their voices being heard? It’s important that there is a free range of communication available so that employees can notify higher-ups about potential problems before they become detrimental.
To truly be inclusive, you must listen to and account for the thoughts and opinions of all of your team. As you become more aware of ways to better understand and to utilize your culturally diverse staff, you will be more of a competitive advantage to others in your industry.
Final Thoughts
Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace has a powerful impact not only on the world, but also your business. Talk about a win-win! By embracing diversity across all categories, as well as fostering inclusivity, you can create an environment where everyone can thrive. Diversity and inclusion are ongoing journeys, and businesses that actively embrace them will be better positioned to navigate the ever-changing landscape.
One way to promote diversity is to align your company calendar with a Diversity Calendar.