Why Embracing Diversity in the Workplace is Crucial to Business Success
For decades, research has shown that diversity in the workplace is a net gain. Workplace diversity benefits not only the organization that incorporates it but also the country. Bringing diversity into the workplace promotes equality, creates an inclusive atmosphere, and helps employees feel valued, regardless of their background.
Many organizations have taken steps to create a more inclusive environment for employees. When businesses include and retain more diverse talent, they will reap many benefits, some of which are listed here.
1. Boosts Innovation and Creativity
When companies add people with varied backgrounds, it adds fresh perspectives that can lead to more creativity. As a result, businesses with more diverse perspectives will have more product and service solutions and ideas. Innovation is born out of creative minds working together. So, diversity also aids in innovation.
2. Attracts Top Talent by Encouraging Greater Representation
A company that works to promotes a commitment to diversity and inclusion will hire employees from a variety of genders, ages, races, and backgrounds. Having a wide range of backgrounds reflects a greater representation of the country’s demographics. When customers from different backgrounds patronize the business, they are more likely to “see” themselves and feel more connected to the company.
Other people from diverse backgrounds may feel more comfortable applying to work at a company that represents many people, thereby attracting top diverse talent.
3. Creates Better Customer Service
One key component of customer service and satisfaction is meeting the demands of the customers. It’s vital that companies understand their customers. They need to know what they like, what they will or will not buy, and what they look for in a product or service.
By having diversity in the workplace, companies will better understand their customer base because the employees will be like their customers. For example, suppose a company had only people aged 20 to 40 working for them. How could they understand the mindset and needs of their older customers?
The same can be said for any demographic. Diversity in the workplace helps companies respond to their customers more effectively with new products and services.
4. Enhances Employee Satisfaction
Employees who feel valued and respected in a diverse workplace are more likely to be highly engaged and motivated. Why would employees feel more valued with diversity in the workplace? Employees may feel that a company that hires a diverse group of people is accepting and respectful of all people.
5. Increases Performance and Productivity
Diversity in the workplace can help ensure that an organization makes the best decisions for its customers and stakeholders. A diverse workplace encourages employees to collaborate, resulting in a more productive and efficient workplace. By leveraging different perspectives, employees can develop better solutions to problems and work together more effectively. A diverse and inclusive work environment can create a space where all employees feel included and can contribute their best.
6. Enhances Company Brand Image and Reputation
A brand image is a perception that customers have of the company. This includes the company’s products and services, as well as its values and principles. The latter two may influence the brand image’s success and effectiveness, which, in turn, can motivate positive customer feedback.
Companies that promote diversity reflect inclusiveness. This boosts the company’s reputation and can attract more customers, investors, and top talent.
How Can Employers Include Diversity in Their Organization?
Diversity in the workplace is gaining traction. Since the research is firmly on the side of including people from all backgrounds in the workplace, it’s essential that companies make it happen.
Furthermore, research indicates that America is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Nearly half of the post-Millennials are racial or ethnic minorities.
Companies can create a more diverse workplace by implementing the following strategies:
- Develop training for recruiters and hiring managers that stamp out biases
- Incorporate hiring policies that are diversity-friendly
- Recognize and celebrate employee differences
- Reward qualified diversity referrals
- Use recruitment tools and agencies that promote working with candidates from underrepresented populations
Businesses can expand their diverse workforce by connecting with a staffing agency committed to nurturing the goals of a diverse, inclusive workplace and world. Advantis Global is a top IT staffing agency that supports diversity in hiring. Get in touch with us today.
