Introduction
Workplace diversity is a complicated topic, often suffering from misunderstandings and pre-existing conceptions of it. Based on this, it could be helpful to come up with a new definition of workplace diversity that would explain the topic in a meaningful way. An example of one such definition is the following: workplace diversity refers to the special traits and features that set each person apart from the others, influencing how they contribute to the culture of the firm through their similarities and differences.
Discussion
As it stands, workplace diversity has been defined before. For instance, according to Reiners et al. (2022), workplace diversity “refers to the range of similarities and differences individuals have that make them unique and shape how they contribute to company culture” (para. 4). Although this is a helpful perspective, others can be considered for a fuller outlook on this subject. Tamunomiebi and John-Eke (2020) defined diversity as “the variety of differences between people in an organization, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, education background, and more” (para. 2). These definitions have resulted to the final definition as outlined above.
While diversity should be a goal for organizations, it’s vital to remember that managing diversity can be challenging. Unconscious bias, a lack of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions, and a lack of understanding and cultural sensitivity among employees are some of the difficulties posed by diversity in the workplace. Organizations must be willing to promote an inclusive culture in order to address these issues. This entails fostering an environment of open communication and active listening.
Conclusion
To guarantee that all viewpoints are taken into account, businesses should also ensure decision-making positions include diverse candidates. For diversity to be genuinely effective, organizations must be prepared to alter their internal power structures.
References
Reiners, B., Powers, J., & Bertagnoli, L. (2022). Types of diversity in the workplace you need to know. Built In. Web.
Tamunomiebi, M. D., & John-Eke, E. C. (2020). Workplace diversity: Emerging issues in contemporary reviews. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(2). Web.