A buzzword of sorts, “diversity” has become a trend as of late. But diversity within an organization deals with how its members relate to each other while taking into consideration their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, etc. Unfortunately, the trendiness of diversity in the workplace today can overshadow its importance. When this happens, companies and their team members may miss out on the value and depth that an inclusive and diverse organization brings.
Let’s look at precisely what is meant by diversity in the workplace and why it’s so important.
What Is the Meaning of Diversity?
To different people, diversity can have various meanings. What’s more, people may have different connotations about diversity in the workplace than they do regarding diversity in general. Are they the same? Are there different types of diversity? Why is diversity so crucial within an organization?
Let’s get some answers.
Four Types of Diversity
In a very vague sense, the four types of diversity consist of worldview, organizational, external, and internal.
- Worldview: This encompasses a vast array of travel experiences, cultures, political affiliations, and beliefs.
- Organizational: This applies to differences in management level, department, seniority, work experience, or job function.
- External: Any circumstance, experience, or attribute that assists in defining the identity of a person – but something that was not specifically within them at birth (appearance, religion, marital status, education, socioeconomic status, etc.).
- Internal: A characteristic or trait with which an individual is born (physical ability, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, race, or sex).
Why Is Workplace Inclusion and Diversity Needed?
When a company concentrates some of its efforts on inclusion and diversity, it’s simply good business. Leaders and managers can more effectively question assumptions, get better ideas, “see” blind spots, figure out fresh approaches, and create better solutions when they practice diversity in leadership in the workforce. The result? Impressive levels of team performance, innovation, and growth.
How do you deal with diversity in the workplace? The right consulting firm can introduce you to a number of training program selections that will assist you and your organization with a DEI plan/strategy.
Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace
At all levels, businesses can benefit from diversity. Organizations that include people who are diverse in age, race, gender, etc., simply make smarter decisions, perform better, and experience a higher level of profitability.
The following are examples of some of the workplace benefits of diversity in the workplace:
- Better leaders are produced by inclusive organizations. Particularly for a new manager, one of the best possible challenges is working with a diverse team. To better assure success in their management role, they will have to learn a vast array of motivation styles and communication techniques.
- Organizations enjoy a significantly higher level of financial performance when they have women in senior positions. Where knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking matter, this is particularly the case (think high-tech and various other similar sectors).
- Within their markets, a company is more likely to be considered an innovation leader when they are inclusive.
Within your organization, can a truly inclusive, diverse environment be promoted? Yes, it can. DEI consultants can show you how.
It’s Time to Promote DEI Within the Workplace with Guidance from Tessi Consulting
With guidance, training, and coaching from the Tessi Consulting team, your organization can create and implement its plan for DEI transformation in no time.
How can your company better represent its underrepresented demographics? How can you create a sense of belonging and inclusion for the diversity of your organization? These questions and more can be answered when you work with Tessi Consulting.
Don’t wait another minute to work on your company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Contact us today to get started. You can reach us by phone at 617-564-3331 or send us an email at info@tessiconsulting.com.