The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace

Diversity in the workplace is changing. Globalisation and the pandemic have reshaped the UK’s economic structure. As a result, working from home has enabled companies to increase workplace inclusivity. But does this mean everyone is doing it? Not entirely, but they should.

In this article, we discuss what diversity in the workplace means, how to encourage it and why. 

What Does Diversity in the Workplace Mean?

Having a diverse workplace is no longer about race, gender or age. It’s much broader than that. Given the increased accessibility of work, diversity in the workplace means a whole lot more. To have a diverse workforce, you need several different individuals from many categories such as, but not limited to, race, age, sexual orientation, skills and physical abilities. 

How to Encourage Diversity in the Workplace

It may be daunting to enforce a diverse workforce if you don’t know where to start. But it is simple and can and should be done within your day to day work life. 

It Starts With Recruitment

Although you should never hire solely based on diversity, you must widen the talent pool and acknowledge all individuals during the hiring process. Additionally, show that you're diverse focused this will motivate more to apply. 

Acknowledge Difference

Don’t sweep diversity under the rug. Acknowledge that everyone is different! In doing so, you will avoid any discrimination in the future. 

Check in With Yourself

Address your own biases to create diversity in the workplace. Regardless if you mean to, many individuals have ingrained behaviour which can be unacceptable. Checking in with yourself is a way to squash said behaviours. 

Rewards and Recognition

Having an effective, inclusive and accessible employee reward scheme helps improve wellbeing and increases diversity in the workplace. If you offer your people inclusive benefits, you will attract more people to your company.

Why you Should Increase Diversity in the Workplace

We understand how to increase diversity, but here is why you should. 

Wider Talent

Diversity in the workplace increases the talent pool. Ignoring prejudiced mindsets, your company will attract a plethora of talent that other companies would otherwise neglect. 

Company Culture

Given the pandemic, individuals no longer want to work just for a salary. They need a job they can love. Increasing diversity in the workplace will encourage a better company culture for all. 

Increased Productivity

Research shows that increasing diversity in the workplace can increase productivity by 35%. Since diversity improves morale and wellbeing, it aids employee engagement also.

In summary, diversity in the workplace is pivotal to a company's structure. To disregard diversity would show your inability to accept and grow as a business and therefore fail. You should want to increase diversity for individuals' wellbeing, not just productivity. 

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