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Workplace Diversity


Workplace Diversity



Defining Workplace Diversity
In order to explain the term diversity, it is important to understand that diversity directly affects the workplace – and with increasing significance. The term diversity includes and understanding and acceptance of the fact that people have individual characteristics, which make them unique from each other, particularly when comparing individuals in a group. These characteristics may include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, political ideologies, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities or socio-economic status. These characteristics also may include life experiences and cognitive approaches toward problem-solving. (Managing Diversity in the workplace, 2017)

Implementation of Workplace Diversity
Followings are some key steps to be followed in maintaining workplace diversity. Diversification transformation is directly related to HR. Hence the HR Department plays a key role in the process.

1.      Prioritize Communication
Policies, procedures, safety rules, and other important information should be designed to overcome language and cultural barriers.
2.      
     Treat each employee as an Individual
Avoid making assumptions about employees from different backgrounds.
3.      
     Encourage Employees to work in diverse groups
Diverse work teams let employees get to know and value one another on an individual basis and can help break down preconceived notions and cultural misunderstandings.
4.      
     Base standards on objective criteria
Set one standard of rules for all groups of employees regardless of background.
5.      
     Being open-minded
Recognize, and encourage employees to recognize, that one’s own experience, background, and culture is not the only with value to the organization.
6.      
     Hiring
To build a diverse workplace, it is crucial to recruit and hire talent from a variety of backgrounds. 



Video :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6WzHw7gHY

List of the different types of diversity in the workplace:
·         Cultural diversity
·         Racial diversity
·         Religious diversity
·         Age diversity
·         Sex / Gender diversity
·         Sexual orientation
·         Disability
(the-types-of-diversity, 2018)

Diversity in Local Context
Sri Lanka which is a country well-diversified country. Recruiting of employees is the inception of the process and the employee mix should be well planned prior to starting hiring. (Diversified Nationalities, Religions, Genders, Age Variances, Cultural backgrounds etc) Thereafter the process to be continued implementing policies, training, and enhancing the accountability and involvement of the staff. However, the company could face new challenges in the process such as conflicts due to different beliefs among staffs representing different nationalities, religions & cultures. Gender issues such as reluctance to work in remote areas and low working hours, Generational issues when hiring peoples with large age gaps, Further, some employees might be repulsive of the diversification & the implementation could cost time and money.

Conclusion
Organizations with diverse employees are better suited to serve diverse external customers in an increasingly global market. Such organizations have a better understanding of the requirements of the legal, political, social, economic, and cultural environments.

References
(2017). Managing Diversity in the workplace.the-types-of-diversity. (2018). Retrieved from https://resources.workable.com/hr-terms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6WzHw7gHY

B.A. Lankeshwara

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