Diversity

Diversity is the combination of qualities, experiences and work styles that make individuals unique—age, race, religion, disabilities, ethnicity, etc.—as well as how organizations can leverage those qualities in support of business objectives. Organizations with greater diversity have at their disposable full range of ideas, perspectives, definitions and approaches.

All organizations leadership should be trained in diversity, not one, not twice but annually. Diversity is key in flourishing and expanding business. If you ever lookup the word Diversity you will find many definitions. In simple forms diversity is the similarities and differences between people.

Which include but are not limited to the following:

• Age
• Color
• Disability
• Education
• Ethnicity
• Family Status
• Gender
• Generation
• Language
• Backgrounds
• Life Experiences
• Organizational function and level
• Lifestyle
• Physical characteristics
• Race
• Religion, belief and spirituality
• Sexual orientation
• Thought patterns

Diversity is the potential for greater innovation and creativity. Organizations have realized over time that this is a business benefit. People from diverse backgrounds come together to communicate and work, and understand each others’ needs and perspectives.

Let’s not forget about the EEO laws and regulations. In the US the legal framework for EEO began in the 1960s with the Equal Pay Act of 1963, then the Civil Rights Act of 1964. EEO concerns fairness and equality of treatment for specific designated protected classes as defined by law. EEO means that the employer gives equal consideration for a job and in terms and conditions of employment to all individuals, and that the employer does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability or sex.

EEO is primarily matters of legal compliance, although it does help to create a workplace that is more supportive of all people and more diverse in terms of the specific included dimensions of diversity. Diversity and inclusion are aimed at realizing competitive advantage and business opportunity more so than following legal requirements and regulations.

Diversity relates to factors like sales, market share, profitability, corporate social responsibility and reputation. Effective diversity initiatives require starting, planning, speaking and acting solely from key business priorities. Increase your diversity efforts.