Companies looking to increase diversity and inclusion must first look inward, and understanding current diversity issues is the first place to start. Below, we’ll explore the most common diversity issues in the workplace and how to solve them.
Current Diversity Issues
If you’re creating a diversity and inclusion program, you will want to start by looking at your organization’s own diversity issues. Unfortunately, many organizations have no idea where to start. To help you, we’ll discover five significant diversity issues in the workplace. Explore each of these and reflect on whether these are areas for improvement for your business or organization.
1. Communication Issues
In just about every workplace, communication issues can be common, ranging from insensitive to downright offensive. Ensure that employees know the point persons they can address if they have any concerns or questions.
In a diverse workplace, English might not be the first language of an employee. In that case, communication can be an even bigger barrier to productivity, inclusion, and morale. Help alleviate any stigma or marginalization that comes with this lack of understanding.
2. Sexual Harassment
Statistics reveal about 60 percent of women have experienced unwanted advances or sexual harassment at work. Even top companies like Uber have had their fair share of bad diversity and inclusion press from this very issue.
This shows that all businesses still have a long way to go with their diversity and inclusion efforts. Wondering how you can solve this diversity issue in the workplace? We suggest creating open lines of communication between employees and leadership teams to encourage people to speak out against – and report – harassment as it occurs.
3. Unconscious Bias
The problem with unconscious bias is that it often goes unnoticed. Employees are often oblivious that it’s a factor. For example, hiring managers might discriminate against candidates based on demographic factors. Fortunately, this is something your company can directly address with unconscious bias training. Remember, lack of training only results in bad PR, employee turnover, recruiting difficulties, and lawsuits. Address these issues with unconscious bias online training.
4. Diversity Without Inclusion
The words diversity and inclusion go hand in hand, and there’s a reason why. While many organizations work hard to increase their diversity, they fail miserably at making each of their employees feel included and belonging, and as if they can be their authentic selves in the workplace.
Fostering diversity without inclusion can potentially do more harm than good. Yes, it’s important to attract diversity, and then foster awareness and respect for those differences. Are you doing enough on this front? A quick, budget-friendly solution is online inclusion and diversity training.
5. Generational Differences
Age isn’t always just a number — especially in the workplace. Different generations have diverse working styles, and age diversity presents its own unique issues in the workplace. You’ll encounter communication differences, varying work speeds, and distinct definitions of success depending on the person. Examining this gap and bridging generational diversity can be very rewarding.
Looking for diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace? Check out our blog post.
Learn How to Resolve Diversity Issues in the Workplace
Let’s face it, these current diversity issues won’t go away overnight. However, there are ways you can address these problems and seek solutions by ramping up your diversity and inclusion program. Enhancing a diversity and inclusion program is one of the best ways to improve your company’s culture and establish a sense of belonging among all your employees.
Stay updated with our Diversity and Inclusion Calendar or our Canada Diversity Calendar for Canadian organizations. At Diversity Resources, we offer the world’s best selection of tools for diversity training.
FAQs
What are some of the biggest diversity issues in the workplace?
Some common challenges and diversity issues in the workplace include communication issues, gender equality, disability discrimination, conflicting beliefs, and generational differences.
What is one example of a diversity issue in the workplace?
Workplace discrimination is a common diversity issue that is felt by a certain group or individual due to their sex, identity, race, county of origin, disability, mental wellness, or marital status.
What are some common challenges associated with workplace diversity?
As you work to diversify your team, you may see more bias or discrimination. Have an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable enough to report any incidences as they occur to leadership.