Why is diversity in organizations important?

We live in a diverse society, of people with different ethnicities, Persons with Disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+, men and women. In a society with such cultural diversity, it is necessary and important that organizations develop a mature posture to face differences. Diversity in the workforce means acknowledging employees differences and supporting inclusion for a variety of different perspectives, which is highly beneficial planning and executing a business strategy.

What are the benefits of having a diverse workforce?

Performance and Reputation as a Progressive Employer

A business or organization that values ​​diversity is more accurately reflects the world. Valuing diversity also contributes to a company’s reputation. After all, it is an attitude of awareness and responsibility towards society. In addition, learning about the diverseness that employees have in the workforce is disseminated in the social environment by the professionals themselves. When they go to other environment, they reproduce the behaviors learned at work. With that, they become examples for other people.

Knowledge and Experience

Diverse cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation. Local market knowledge and insight makes a business more competitive and profitable. Cultural sensitivity, insight, and local knowledge means higher quality, targeted marketing. Since it means that employees will have different characteristics and backgrounds, they are also more likely to have a variety of different skills and experiences.

Employee Retention

When there is a lot of exclusion in the team due to the difficulties of living with differences, it is common to leave the company. Sometimes, because they cannot support the segregation dynamic among colleagues, some team members prefer to leave their jobs. This process is very problematic. Intolerant teams tend to have a high turnover rate because professionals do not account for the exclusion. With a diverse group that welcomes differences, employees feel more secure and welcomed. This contributes to cooperativeness and a sense of belonging. Thus, turnover is much lower in the company.

Productivity, Creativity and Motivation

In an environment that values ​​differences and brings diversity as an element that adds to the business, employees feel they have more freedom to have authenticity and genuineness at work. This contributes to more originality in the production of their work. Further, the diverse environment provides conditions for new ideas and more engaged and creative team, ready to unlock their potential.

Increased Profits

Companies with a diverse workforce make better decisions, which gives them a serious advantage over their competitors. As a result, companies with diversity in the workplace achieve better business results and reap more profit.

Reduce Recruitment Costs Working with Programs like the OPPORTUNITIES FUND 

Employers who hire a new employee utilizing Opps Fund may also be eligible to receive disability support services such as the provision of funding for technology or equipment, workshops (such as Mental Health First Aid for their staff), and on-site job coaching for their new employee.

Where to Start?

It is only possible to learn to respect diversity through learning and understanding. Inclusion programs in the company are a great alternative to promote employee engagement, to educate your team, promote interaction with different customs and to raise awareness about inclusion in the work place environment. These iniciatives help professionals mature and also strengthen ties between colleagues.

OPEN DOOR GROUP  provides support to business and employers who want to improve diversity in their workforce. Connect with us to learn how we can help you.