Celebrating diversity in the workplace isn’t only a human responsibility. It has been shown time and time again to help companies boost productivity and profitability across all industries. However, if you’re going to build a diverse workforce, you must do it correctly. Here are five simple steps that will promote the best results for your business and its employees.
#1. Ensure that diversity starts at the top
If you want to truly celebrate diversity in the workplace, it must be seen across all levels of the business. Most importantly, you should have diversity in management positions. When everyone at the junior level feels represented by senior staff, it delivers many benefits. There’s relatability, inspiration, and a clear sign that the company values diversity.
Besides, it also means that the company can leverage success from the collective knowledge of a diverse team. And multiple viewpoints.
#2. Don’t let diversity stand in the way of productivity
It’s great that you want to have all groups represented in the business. But while equal opportunities are crucial, you cannot allow it to stand in your way of success. Hiring someone who isn’t up to the job due to disabilities, for example, will harm productivity. Moreover, it’s not fair on them or their colleagues. Particularly as there are plenty of jobs they can do.
Getting railway workers to complete a railway medical, for example, will confirm that they are suited to the job. It protects them, the business, and your sanity.
#3. Communicate with employees
The fact that you wish to support a diverse working environment won’t go unnoticed. If you want the best results, though, you need to talk to employees. Only 33% of businesses show true information transparency, which is one item that needs improving. It’s also important to engage with workers through feedback loops and dedicated evaluations of your efforts.
When you give them a voice, they’ll tell you how to successfully improve the company culture. Better still, they will see that you’ve listened and implemented the right response.
#4. Show understanding and empathy to all employees
When you have a diverse workforce, you must also acknowledge that different employees may have unique needs. You must ensure that workspaces are designed to support them all. If you do not have a sense of unity or fairness across the company, the whole strategy will fall short. For starters, having prayer rooms or items to support religious backgrounds is key.
You may need to ensure that the workplace is supported by accessibility ramps or modifications to support deaf and blind workers. Even small updates make a huge impact.
#5. Be aware of unconscious bias
All of the above steps help you make a conscious effort to build a better workplace. However, it’s necessary to understand unconscious bias too. There are many examples of unconscious bias to consider ranging from age to gender or cultural background. If you do not address them, it can stand in the way of building a truly equal-opportunity workplace.
When used to support the conscious changes of building a better workforce, you will find that the business is in a far stronger position.
