We all know diversity is an important feature of thriving businesses, but it can sometimes seem like a vague concept. At the Business Career Hub, we are firm believers that a diverse team makes for a more productive, innovative, and friendly work environment.
For our latest #BizHubChat, we partnered with Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) to talk about what diversity means, why it’s important for business and how you can become a champion at your workplace.
1) What does diversity in the workplace mean to you?
A1. Well, it’s bringing different people together to create business success #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
A1. And diversity can cover so many aspects – age, gender, personality, socio-economic standing, orientation, religious belief.. #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
A1. Also about involving these individuals as decision makers – it’s more that just hiring and fulfilling mandates #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
A1: #Diversity in the workplace means that everyone feels they can bring their true, authentic self to work everyday #BizHubChat
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
A1: #Diversity means creating an inclusive environment which embraces different perspectives & experiences in the workplace. #BizHubChat
— Chelsea C. (@ChelseaC1414) June 2, 2016
Diversity touches so many aspects of a successful workplace and means that each employee should be able to act as his or her authentic self when at work. Diversity at work is about bringing people together to ensure success. Creating an inclusive environment and accepting different views and opinions can only benefit the work experience.
2) How can I take a more active role in diversity within my organization?
A2. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Understand those around you and see where else their expertise can be utilize #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
Communication is key! #diversity #bizhubchat https://t.co/DeNwK7YSXR
— Laura Henshaw (@HenshawLaura) June 2, 2016
A2) Learn how to say “hello” and “thank you” in another language! #Diversity #BizHubChat
— Ray Holganza (@boldlydream) June 2, 2016
Make sure to communicate, and be prepared to have potentially uncomfortable or challenging conversations. Make sure to focus on the abilities of the individual, rather than personal differences, and make sure to demonstrate understanding whenever possible.
Strength lies in differences, not in similarities – Stephen Covey #BizHubChat #diversity @TRSMcareers @CareerEdgeOrg
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
3) What could companies do better when it comes to diversity in the workplace?
Our experts agreed that transparency and an open-door policy go a long way to getting to know your co-workers’ authentic selves.
A3. Having an open door policy. You won’t be able to get to know people better if they’re intimidated about talking to you #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
It’s also important for hiring managers to be aware of their own biases. They can help ensure diversity by using blind resumes to avoid being influenced by their unknown biases.
A3: Hiring mgrs must be aware of hidden biases, ask themselves “Do I always hire the same type of person?” & change approach #BizHubChat
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
It’s also important to educate and communicate about what diversity really means and why it’s important.
A3) Strong education and communication about what #diversity really means is important #BizHubChat pic.twitter.com/kfOX3nWlRq
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 2, 2016
A3) Education is key! Sometimes people don’t know what they don’t know so teach employees on what #diversity means! #BizHubChat @TRSMcareers
— Venessa Magny (@venessamagny) June 2, 2016
A3) I think understanding and awareness is a major here! #BizHubChat #diversity pic.twitter.com/GpnVAYvUcR
— Laura Henshaw (@HenshawLaura) June 2, 2016
And remember that you should walk the talk when it comes to supporting diversity!
A3: Challenge inappropriate behavior in your workplace, we’re all responsible for building a #diversity friendly environment #bizhubchat
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
4) What are the key benefits of a diverse workplace?
A diversity of perspectives and experiences brings a great deal of opportunity for creativity and innovation in the workplace.
A4. More connected with a wider target audience/client base + incr. creativity, innovation, productivity #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
Higher diversity has also been shown to lead to better employee retention rates — an important consideration for decision makers at any organization.
A4: Research by McKinsey&Co – organizations with diversity in top leadership outperformed those without https://t.co/dJ5MQcFAv5 #BizHubChat
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
So many benefits to #diversity !! @TRSMcareers @CareerEdgeOrg #bizhubchat pic.twitter.com/PIQPwyW9mM
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
A4) This one is easy! New ideas and innovation which is what companies need to survive in today’s market! #BizHubChat @TRSMcareers
— Venessa Magny (@AskVenessa) June 2, 2016
A4: Check out this article from @UndercoverRec that highlights the benefits of a diverse workplace. https://t.co/iLhgkKHUTF #BizHubChat
— Chelsea C. (@ChelseaC1414) June 2, 2016
And, of course, just think of the lunch possibilities!
A4) Diverse office potlucks, anyone? #mmm #Diversity #BizHubChat
— Ray Holganza (@boldlydream) June 2, 2016
5) How do you alter your work style to meet a diversity need or challenge?
A5. Having a “no stupid question” policy. #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
Remember that your perspective is just one of many in a diverse workplace, and you need to check your biases accordingly.
A5) For me personally, it was a matter of “checking my bias”. Just because it’s imp. to me, does not make it so for everyone. #BizHubChat
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 2, 2016
Agreed, putting yourself in others’s shoes and doing whatever you can to help them succeed #BizHubChat https://t.co/9ujw8NxgXs
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
A5) It makes for a fun work place! As an employee in a diverse work environment, I love to hear everyone’s stories! #BizHubChat
— Venessa Magny (@AskVenessa) June 2, 2016
6) How does workplace diversity impact team performance?
A6. Positively! Diverse individuals = Better team dynamic + High quality results #BizHubChat
— Career Edge (@CareerEdgeOrg) June 2, 2016
#diversity can even be in the skill-sets that your team has – so it would provide a more well-rounded team! #BizHubChat
— Laura Henshaw (@HenshawLaura) June 2, 2016
A6: Companies who disregard diversity have a higher % of disengaged workers; leads to lower performance & unhappiness #BizHubChat
— Juliana Scharrer (@JulianaScharrer) June 2, 2016
In conclusion, diversity can have an extremely positive effect on team performance and help to create a well-rounded organization. Employees who are more engaged and feel more supported will lead to better results!
Want to check out the full #BizHubChat on diversity in the workplace? Visit this Storify summary to relive the entire chat.
The TRSM Business Career Hub is open to students and alumni throughout the summer. If you have any career related questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We hope to see you soon.