Quick Start Guide To Creating A Workplace Diversity

Sylvia works for a software Developing company. A straight A student who studied Software engineering in university. Her track record speaks for itself as she has numerous accomplishments. Being a woman in male dominated industry, she can tell you the challenges she has faced are not for the weak hearted. Currently she is the only female in the company’s board. She is constantly frustrated when then board overlooks her suggestions as they make her feel like an outcast, a woman crazy enough to pursue a traditionally male dominated field. Sometimes Sylvia wishes that her board would have a fairer gender composition.

Reagan on the other hand is the CEO of a food processing company, 90% the managing board in which her sits in is composed of people from his tribe. The members are so comfortable that at times some sections of the board meetings are conducted in their mother tongue and those who don’t understand are forced to pretend they understand or seek clarification.

In both scenarios above, the issue of diversity at the top management is wanting and as much as the majority are enjoying, the minorities are suffering. This kind of suffering breads resentment as the channels of communication are managed by the majority or rather influenced by them. Diversity in an organization especially at the top management cannot be overlooked as it directly affects the organization and its performance. It brings good business as there is a multiplicity of viewpoints and cultures, it also drives innovation, improves decision-making, increases employee productivity and retention, and leads to better customer service.

Diversity is not only tied to race and gender. It is wide as it also involves economic status, age, educational background, cultural upbringing among others. So how can an organization ensure that there is diversity from the top management? This can be done by:

• Going beyond compliance.

Let diversity be more than complying to industry standards or government laws. Look at the bigger picture bringing together people of varying backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems, you bring with them a range of work styles, thought processes, and perspectives. Take advantage of all of these, and you can spark creativity, improve efficiency, and get closer to your customers.

• Identify New talent Sources

This means that for instance, if you traditionally employ university graduates then you may consider sourcing for labor from students in technical colleges. They will bring in the technical aspects of operating thus add to the intellect that the existing university sources bring. In this way, you will have both intellect and technical knowledge in the organization.

• Address every Diversity issue

As diverse as your business may be, it is important to address any challenges that may come with this kind of workforce. This will ensure harmony and peaceful co-existence thrives among employees and management. It is important to realize that diversity does not start and end with hiring, it is a continuous process. This can be done by encouraging employees to embrace each other’s culture and learn to appreciate their diversity.

• Create ways for interaction

Ensure that there are effective channels of communication among employees both at management and subordinate positions. This will reduce instances of isolation and discrimination in the workforce. Allow the employees to be able to showcase their diversity and be proud of it at the same time. This can be done through team building activities

• Make Diversity Part of your Brand.

Show that your organization cares by promoting volunteerism among employees and providing corporate-sponsored initiatives to raise funds and awareness for different causes. Invest in diversity by offering internships and scholarships to people from underrepresented groups. And spread the word that your culture is diverse and inclusive through social media or traditional media by highlighting your efforts, awards, partnerships, and providing information that underscores your desire to provide the flexibility and tools required to guarantee success for all.

• Diversity Policy

Include diversity goals in your mission and vision. This will keep the management focused on achieving diversity in the most effective and beneficial way to the organization. Commit to the process by having a blueprint how your organization plans to achieve unity in diversity.

In a nutshell, diversity is a journey not a destination therefore to achieve it and reap its benefits, the management and staff should commit themselves to the journey.