The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace has never been greater. Being aware that people of varying backgrounds is a major asset will set you apart from your competition. Having policies that protect people from biases or discrimination is what will keep your organization successful. In this blog, I will explain what diversity is and why it is important to foster it in the workplace.
What is Diversity?
Diversity refers to the specific demographics of people who make up a group. There are several types of diversity:
Racial Diversity
Gender Diversity
Age Diversity
Religious Diversity
Physical Abilities Diversity
Socioeconomic Diversity
And many others
You may have heard of DEI, which means Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. DEI is three foundational pillars that ensure all employees are treated fairly regardless of race, age, gender, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Having DEI policies in place protects under-represented groups from biases and discrimination.
A few examples of DEI policies could include:
Training to educate employees about microaggressions and other forms of discrimination,
Zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, bullying and harassment,
Inclusive language and communication,
And accommodating working arrangements.
TEAM Work's DEI Policy
Instead of following the traditional DEI method, we extended our policies to also include:
Belonging,
Accessibility and,
Accountability.
So, our acronym used is DEIBAA! Here is a quote from our employee handbook that reflects our commitment to all parts DEIBAA.
Understanding the practice of inclusion, celebrates and welcomes the diversity of all employees, users, community members, and stakeholders. TEAM is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an environment of belonging and accessibility for all. It is the policy of the organization to foster an environment that respects people's dignity, ideas, beliefs, and practices thereby ensuring equity and diversity in employment. TEAM demonstrates commitment to this by providing a supportive work environment and a corporate culture that welcomes and encourages equal opportunities for all. We welcome the unique contributions of all suitably qualified people regardless of their race, culture, gender identity and expression, disability, religion/belief, sexual identity/orientation, or age.
At TEAM Work Cooperative, we are proud of our continuously evolving DEIBAA policies and stand behind the inclusivity and equity of all of our employees. No one should ever feel left out or unappreciated at their workplace. By updating our policies periodically, we ensure ALL of our employees, from every walk of life, knows they are highly appreciated and deserve equal opportunities.
Okay, that's enough about us. Now, let’s delve into the top 5 benefits of diversity in the workplace.
Benefit 1: It Assists in Attracting New Talent and Retain Current Employees
The Carlson College of Business highlights that companies prioritizing diversity and inclusion often experience higher employee retention rates. This is because many individuals, particularly younger generations entering the workforce, seek organizations that align with their values.
Employees thrive in environments where they feel a sense of belonging. By fostering a diverse workplace, you not only create a welcoming atmosphere for current employees but also attract new talent. This approach broadens your hiring pool and ensures access to the best candidates available.
Benefit 2: It Increases Creativity and Problem-Solving
It is noted on Indeed that by encouraging diversity in the workplace, you can increase the creativity and problem-solving in your team. Having people of various backgrounds means they bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. A wider array of ideas increases the likelihood of finding more creative ways to problem-solve in your workplace.
Benefit 3: It Helps to Fight Unconscious Biases
The University of California San Francisco explains that:
"Unconscious Biases are social stereotypes about certain group of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing."
Biases do not necessarily only apply to racial groups. We may also hold unconscious biases about:
gender and gender expression,
age,
a person’s physical abilities,
religion,
name,
and many more.
As an employer, it is crucial not only to identify areas of unconscious bias but also to actively address them. This can be achieved by implementing training programs that extend beyond the hiring department to include the entire organization.
Companywide training helps establish clear expectations, emphasizing that while unconscious biases affect everyone, they must not dictate our actions. It is essential to ensure that individuals with the right qualifications and values aligned with the company are given a fair and equitable opportunity.
Benefit 4: It Enhances Innovation
To maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, businesses must continually innovate their products and services. According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), multiple studies demonstrate that greater diversity within teams drives stronger innovation.
HBR also highlights that while it may feel more comfortable to collaborate with individuals similar to yourself, this approach can hinder a company's success. Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, opinions, and experiences. To stay ahead, organizations should actively cultivate and embrace diversity within their teams.
Benefit 5: It Creates a Better Reputation
Indeed states that promoting diversity helps clients and potential employees view your company as socially conscious and inclusive. In today's competitive landscape, building a socially aware reputation is crucial, as it attracts more customers, shareholders, and top talent. Increasingly, potential employees and customers evaluate an organization's reputation before deciding to work with them or use their products and services.
The Bottom Line
It’s a win-win situation when organizations adopt inclusive and equitable policies. Not only will your organization thrive, but it helps move us toward a more diversified and accessible workforce!
By embracing diversity in the workplace, your organization will:
Help attract new talent and retain employees,
Increase creativity and problem solving,
It will enhance innovation, and
Create a better reputation.
Want to Know More About the Benefits of Diverse Hires?
Are you intrigued by the many doors diversity in the workplace can open? Or maybe, you would like to know more about how you can hire more diverse candidates? Feel free to fill out our contact form below—we would love to connect and discuss how we can help your organization embrace diversity.
About Emily Lane
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, it was a no brainer for Emily to stay local for university. She is in her final year of her Bachelor of Management from Dalhousie University. Emily decided to join TEAM Work for her internship because she is a strong believer in equality for all. Emily is passionate about art and history but also considers herself an avid dog lover! Emily plans to continue her education to obtain her Human Resources designation after her graduation in the spring.
