What is Diversity in the Workplace?

Diversity has become quite a buzzword lately, but simply viewing it as a fleeting trend means missing out on the meaningful benefits a genuinely diverse and inclusive organization can bring. Such workplaces tend to be happier, more productive, and more competitive in their industries. But what exactly does diversity mean? 

In this article, we’ll break down the concept of diversity in workplace, explore its different types, and share insights on actively encouraging diversity in your professional environment.

Also Read: Important Recruitment Metrics You Must Track In 2023

What does diversity in workplace mean?

Diversity in workplace refers to the distinctive trait embedded in a company’s culture, where the workforce composition intentionally encompasses individuals with various characteristics. This includes acknowledging and appreciating differences in gender, age, religion, language, socioeconomic, educational background,  etc. The goal is to create an inclusive and enriching environment that values the unique perspectives and experiences each employee brings to the organization, fostering a more dynamic and innovative workplace.

Also Read: Explained: What Are Game Based Assessments?

Types of diversity in workplace

Now that you understand what diversity in workplace is, let’s explore its different types to deepen your knowledge.

Internal diversity

Internal diversity in workplace refers to people’s natural traits and characteristics from birth. These traits cover race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Appreciating internal diversity means recognizing and valuing the unique qualities of each and understanding that certain factors are beyond their control.

External diversity

External diversity in workplace encompasses attributes, experiences, or circumstances that shape a person’s identity but are absent from birth. Examples include socioeconomic status, education, marital status, religion, appearance, or location. Unlike internal diversity, external factors can consciously influence or change these characteristics.

Also Read: 5 Most Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Organizational diversity

Organizational diversity in workplace is about recognizing differences among employees in the workplace. This involves variations in job roles, work backgrounds, experience levels, departments, and management positions. Highlighting the value of a varied blend of skills, experiences, and viewpoints, organizational diversity improves the liveliness and efficiency of a work setting.

Worldview diversity

Worldview diversity in workplace includes beliefs, political affiliations, cultures, and travel experiences. It involves understanding individual’s unique perspectives on the workplace and shaping how they see and interpret the world. This diversity fosters innovation and inclusivity in the work environment, promoting a forward-thinking atmosphere.

Also Read: Revolutionize Your Hiring Process With AI-Driven Pre-Employment Assessments

How to encourage diversity in workplace?

Here are seven practical and effective strategies you can implement to encourage and embrace diversity in workplace actively:

Hiring practices

Ensure your hiring practices embrace diversity by actively considering candidates from various backgrounds. Remove unnecessary barriers such as exclusive educational requirements, and communicate a commitment to inclusive hiring in job descriptions. Diversify your interview panels to ensure a broad perspective.

Employee groups

Acknowledge that employees bring their entire selves to work. Establish spaces where individuals can connect based on shared backgrounds or interests. Implement employee resource groups, fostering a sense of inclusion and community.

Also Read: Navigating HR Challenges: Recruitment Strategies For Public Sector

Inclusive leadership

Recognize the pivotal role of leadership in setting the organizational tone. Inclusive leadership, especially at higher levels, reinforces core values and improves decision-making. Having diverse leaders in crucial positions reassures underrepresented employees about their potential for success and growth.

Transparency

Foster a culture of openness regarding diversity initiatives. Seek input from your teams through regular meetings and feedback mechanisms. Address concerns raised by team members and implement substantive changes based on their feedback. Transparency is key to building trust.

Also Read: 5 Important Interview Techniques That’ll Help You Get Hired

Allyship

Take a firm and resolute position on social justice matters, explicitly confronting issues of discrimination and harassment. Ensure that organizational declarations resonate with the everyday encounters of your workforce, fostering an atmosphere where all individuals feel secure, appreciated, and acknowledged.

Be vulnerable

Encourage diverse perspectives by actively inviting contributions from all team members. Challenge homogeneous discussions by playing devil’s advocate, promoting an environment where dissenting opinions are welcomed. This practice fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and innovation.

Also Read: How To Identify And Cultivate Characteristics Of Agile Mindset In Your Workforce

Do the research

Educate your team about the concrete benefits of diversity in the workplace. Share research findings indicating that diverse teams increase employee satisfaction, improved health, longer retention, and enhanced productivity. Highlight that an inclusive workplace builds trust and collaboration within the organization.

How to unlock diversity in workplace with BarRaiser? 

Here is how BarRaiser can improve diversity in your workplace by transforming the way you approach hiring:

Consistent and fair interviews

BarRaiser utilizes AI to ensure consistency and fairness in interviews. The interview co-pilot tool provides real-time suggestions, maintains structured interviews, and fosters an unbiased environment for every candidate.

Also Read: Unlocking Talent: Best Hiring Priorities To Consider In 2023

Diversity hiring insights

BarRaiser offers valuable insights to the interviewer, aiding in candidate selection. This includes information on systematic data, trends, and potential areas for improvement, contributing to an enhanced hiring process that promotes diversity.

Intelligent evaluation metrics

Evaluation metrics play a key role in promoting diversity with BarRaiser. Integrating real-time AI interview notes and candidate feedback, combined with BarRaiser’s intelligent AI tool, results in fair and comprehensive scores for each candidate. This approach facilitates the selection of diverse talent by hiring managers.

Also Read: Interview Outsourcing: A Strategic Approach to Talent Acquisition

Conclusion 

To sum up, diversity in workplace is not just an abstract goal. It’s a dynamic and vital force that organizations should actively pursue. By implementing consistent and fair hiring practices, fostering inclusive leadership, and leveraging valuable insights, companies can create environments that celebrate differences and harness the collective strength of diverse teams.