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Understanding the importance of inclusion in the corporate world means understanding the importance of respect and appreciation of differences. Diversity is cultural enrichment for the company. People with different backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicity, social classes, and others, when part of the same purpose, can share ideas and visions so different - and rich - and find solutions that would not be possible if everyone had similar experiences.

Reflecting on diversity requires willingness to review beliefs, openness to new learning, development of empathy, and also some resilience. Yes, it may seem like it requires a lot of work, but the results outweigh the size of the work environment. Professionally, the presence of diversity is associated with better results, more creativity, inclusive climate and reduced turnover. Personally, you can see employees more satisfied with their jobs and more willing to transmit messages of respect for differences in all the environments they attend, from family to social networks.

The benefit of work diversity bring in ideas from different cultures to the table, which allows companies to grow as a team. Of course it is difficult to have a big group of thoughts joining one, however it can bring in unity, as well as an professional group of employees for the company. Diversity doesn’t necessarily mean race. It could differ by what culture you’ve grown up with, and what kind of ideas you can bring in to the table to share with the company.

A company tends to be more successful with a diverse group of employees, as different working habits as well as thoughts can brought in, and be beneficial for the company’s success.  

Overall, diversity is very important for the company’s future, as it bring in variety of experiences, beliefs, work environment, as well as ideas into the workforce.

Diversity in a workplace, shapes the way companies and organizations are viewed. An individual should not be passed up for a job solely based on their gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or race. They should be considered based on they bring to the table and how they can better a company or organization.

Cultural diversity in a workplace simply refers to the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a workplace. It is a group of diverse individuals from different cultures and societies. Usually it takes into account the language, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, age and ethnicity.

Today’s workforce is made up of a very diverse population of individuals from every part of the world. The reason for the organization or company’s success has to do with their employees. Employees from different cultural backgrounds come on same platform and make the company to touch the heights of success. Smart employees know how to take advantages of a diverse workforce. For example, employees with knowledge of multiple languages can be an asset in a internationally based business or in communicating with certain segments of the domestic population.

Culturally diverse employees may have ideas about products, services and marketing approaches that will appeal to the people of their cultures. Each person will bring out a new approach towards the success of the company.

All in all, the cultural diversity in a workplace increases the chances of the favorable outcomes of the organisation or company with its diverse employers and workforce.

-Celso Wolfe

- Sammie Kang

- Gurleen Gurleen

For effective work performance, the most important skill is cultural competence. Cultural competence is the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures. This ability relates to awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, knowledge of other culture practices, tolerant attitudes towards cultural differences and cross-cultural skills. 

The organization should provide enough training for cultural competence to avoid conflicts. There should be Cultural awareness which is needed to understand one’s reactions to people who are different from us and how our behavior may or may not affect working relationships. 

Our attitude also examines the work relationships. We need to overcome the arrogant and aggressive behavior if we need to be successful in a workplace. It is important that we focus on facts, rather than judgement. Employees should have enough knowledge about their cultural practices and they should also be knowledgeable about their cultures from communication styles to religious events.

It is important that employees learn to tolerate that is required for an effective workplace. the new and effective environment is defined by understanding, communicating, cooperating and providing leaderships across cultures. Managing cultural diversities in a workplace is a complete challenge for companies that need to be successful in this competitive era.  

- Gurleen Gurleen

Dr.Richard T. Alpert, Ph.D  Managing cultural diversity in workplace

Managing Cultural Diversity in Workplace (part 1)

The above video shares an example of a workplace condition where there is an addition of new culture in their working environment. The employees are unaware of the cultural practices of the new culture which is going to be a part of their workplace. The employer is trying hard to solve the problems that will occur and he finally solve the issue by the cultural diversity training.

Increasing cultural diversities in a workplace often lead to the success of the company or forum. But it can also result in some chaos and conflicts among employees. It is required to maintain and manage the cultural diversity in a workplace. 

The characteristics, features and functions that differentiate one employee from others is known as work force diversity and managing such things in the organization is known as managing cultural diversity in workplace.  

Types of workplace Diversity

The video above illustrates examples along with the different types of diversity found in workplace. Companies hire a wide spectrum of employees based on age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability & disability. 

For example, put yourself in a position where you are looking for new employees for your company. You come across an individual who exceeds the qualifications you are looking for, but you notice they do not have the same religious beliefs you have. Not only are you losing an individual of value to better your company, you’re telling that person that because of their religious beliefs they cannot be considered for that particular position.

There is no room for discrimination in today’s workplace. Cultural diversity can only better a company or organization.

In this TEDx Talks Arwa Mahdawi, the founder and Chief Minority Officer of rentaminority.com, shows that increasing diversity in a company makes a more successful company. In this video she shows numbers and cites many sources to make a stronger statement.

- Celso Wolfe

A corporation that values ​​diversity is fulfilling its social role. This contributes to the organization's well-being. After all, it is a position of responsibility towards society.

In addition, the learning about the multiplicity that the employees have in the company is spread in the social environment by the professionals themselves. When they go to other spaces, they reproduce the tolerance behaviors learned at work. In doing so, they become examples to other people.

How to encourage diversity and inclusion in the company?

Inclusion programs in the company are a great alternative to promote employee engagement. Many professionals advocate a cause and do not find room in their jobs to manifest themselves. With programs such as women's committees, LGBTQs or the inclusion of people with disabilities, the organization has only to win.

These collectives can strengthen the bonds between employees, increase the sense of belonging, and be a space for productive discussions that can help the corporation create measures to welcome diversity and inclusion.

Some professional tours, marketing trips and many journeys throughout the professional world can also lead to the encouragement of diversity and inclusion. As the employees grab the opportunity to explore the professional world they are working in, they come in contact with other cultures and inclusion programs which let them to manipulate or comfort themselves in the new working conditions and environment. 

- Celso Wolfe

- Sammie Kang

Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace (pt 1) 

Work place diversity doesn’t only mean different types of race. It could also be different generation and cultural beliefs. 

As we move into a more technical filed into the future, having young employees that are more technically inclined will have a greater benefit to the company.

The article above provides information on having diverse workplace with different generations, and the benefit that comes from it. 

Employees from different generations can also bring in the most talented workers, as they will learn new method from one another which will automatically bring the company to the brightest in the market.  

“Teams that include workers from different experiences can come up with more creative ideas and methods of solving problems” (2)  

-Sammie Kang 

The benefits of diversity in the workplace (pt 2)

The video above indicates the benefits a company could have, by having cultural difference within the workplace. 

It is very important to have a diverse group in a company, as it brings in unity, as well as cultural ideas that can not be created with minimal diversity in a group. 

As people from different background joins the workplace, it could benefit from having variety of ideas to the table in order for the company to function. 

As Diversity is about difference, it is critical engage employees, as well as stabilizing the work force for the future, and variety of perspective in an ideas comes into play.  

-Sammie Kang 

The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace

In this video you will see examples of the importance of cultural and financial diversity in workplace.

When employees work with people from different background they have the opportunity to learn from one another. It can help a team to develop better products and services because they are based on multiples points of view.