Diversity at work: embrace and benefit

Diversity at work. Do you embrace or resist it as an employee? Do you understand diversity and the benefits (cultural and economic) to your workplace? Are you across the value and joy of holding a position in an organisation that celebrates the many dimensions of diversity?

This expert article discusses diversity and supports employees with ideas on how to embrace it at work.

What is diversity at work?

Diverse workplaces employ people from many backgrounds. This can include people of different ages, genders, cultures, religions and races. It also includes those with disabilities and different sexual orientations (such as members of the LBGTIQ+ community). Diverse workforces in Australia also embrace hiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Why is diversity important?

The best organisations  – those at the top of their game – celebrate diversity as a mega advantage, including for both cultural and economic advantages.

For you, as an employee, diversity also has benefits. It means working alongside the best talent, recruited based on merit and without bias. It also means reaping the rewards of working in an enriched organisation that:

• incorporates diverse views and perspectives
• is better able to be strategic and creative
• can gain a competitive advantage, including by attracting new clients and better serving existing clients
• can increase profits and be successful over the long term
• respects all employees
• is safe and operates without fear of discrimination and harassment
• better serves its community, clients and stakeholders.

Diversity and inclusion not only make your organisation a better place … it makes you a better person.

How to embrace diversity at work

Build understanding

Take time to learn about your organisation’s diversity goals and vision. If you have a diversity policy, read it. Understand diversity’s connection to business objectives. Dig deep to learn how diversity impacts your role.

Expand your horizons

Also take time to learn about the different cultures, races, religions and backgrounds represented by your team members. Explore their customs and practices. Become familiar with correct diversity terminology to show full respect.

Think about your bias

Reflect on who you are and how you think. Do you unconsciously or consciously make assumptions? Are you biased? Do you make fun of others or ridicule them? Be brave and challenge your thinking …

Be creative with your support

Don’t just talk about diversity in your workplace. Act on it in creative ways.

Talk to your colleagues about small events or gatherings to mark celebratory days. This needn’t be elaborate or expensive. Nor do they need to cover every possibility.

At the beginning of the year, pick 3 or 4 events to celebrate. A morning tea is a great way to learn about a culture or issue, for example. At face2face we have celebrated:

• RUOK Day through talk and presentations
• Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights with a special lunch
• Pride Week, by changing our signature blocks with graphics to show support
• morning teas and staff lunches enjoying food from different cultures
• volunteer days that are culturally and community based

Ask for training

If worthwhile, ask management about internal training to better understand diversity in your workplace and how to build and maintain an open-minded culture. The training could help you and your colleagues to understand and more fully respect many cultures and other diversity dimensions.

You may also need training on your company’s policy on zero tolerance for discrimination in the workplace.

Be respectful and inclusive

Demonstrate respect for all employees at all times. After all, don’t you want to be treated as you would treat others?

Therefore, avoid jokes or negative comments, derogatory remarks and gestures based on factors such as race, religion, sexuality, culture, gender and more. This means thinking about how you communicate – the words you use and the attitudes you display. If you get it wrong, apologise (sincerely), learn and move on.

Don’t dismiss or dispel contributions from others, whether you agree or not. Inclusive workplaces celebrate diverse perspectives and how these feed into better results.

Be an ally and kind and caring

Openly support diversity through your actions and don’t buy into negative conversations about individuals. Your positive outlook and approach will have a wonderful ripple effect. You play a vital role in creating a safe workplace through your behaviour.

It costs nothing to be kind and caring, but the results are well worth it.

Be proactive in seeking out other people’s voices

When communicating with others, don’t hold court on your own beliefs and experiences. Create a safe space for others to speak up and share their views. Validate what they say and encourage diversity of thought. This is more inclusive than dictating a state of play and jumping in with a solution before you’ve even considered what valuable thoughts others have.

Report discrimination

If you see discrimination at work, especially on a repeat basis, do something about it. While we’re not suggesting a confrontational approach, don’t be an innocent bystander. Instead, call out unacceptable behaviour and don’t tolerate the actions of others who demonstrate a lack of respect. How you do this is key and you may want to talk to management or your human resources experts for the best way forward.

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