Diversity at work - focus for happy people and organisation growth

Business owners and leaders often tell me that diversity is one of the primary and most challenging aspects of work culture for them. They find managing and understanding the varied differences between people on their teams difficult. The other aspect of Diversity is Inclusivity and this will be discussed in another article.

Undoubtedly, the diversity of the people you work with can help create a positive work culture. Diversity can be hugely beneficial but is as broad and complex as it sounds. It can easily manifest itself in conflict, judgement, misunderstanding, disagreement, and miscommunication between your people.  

Diversity comprises different mixes of the following:

  • race

  • language

  • nationality

  • gender

  • age

  • religion

  • sexual orientation

  • demographic, and

  • cultural/ethnic backgrounds 

These aspects come up in our minds first and foremost when we hear the word diversity.

But this is only at the very surface of what diversity is.  We only look at where people come from or how old they are. 

What about those other unseen aspects of diversity?

Other aspects such as our personal and human core needs? For example, our sense of belonging, sense of security, being appreciated, valued, and acknowledged. 

Add to this list are peoples’ beliefs, values, standards, talents, skills, rules, home environment, emotional and intellectual needs, and their map of the world.

It certainly makes for a volatile and interesting workplace environment.  No wonder we struggle to understand each other at times. All these factors form our work culture; therefore, we need to focus on managing and keeping things harmonious and workable.

So how do we even begin to work with diversity? Where do we start?

People bring their whole selves to work.  What do I mean by this? As well as our cultural and ethnic backgrounds and the diversity we all possess, as mentioned above, we come to work with different emotions, feelings, beliefs, et cetera. And this is on top of what else is happening at home and in our lives in general. 

It’s difficult not to be influenced by what’s happening in our own immediate environment. We have good and bad days. In addition, our beliefs and values can also affect our behaviour. For instance, how we speak to each other and perform at work. 

To ease the conflict and misunderstanding that can arise due to such a diverse and complex mixture of people, it’s also helpful to know that Diversity is not all that bad. 

It has many advantages too if we embrace it.  Remember that it’s great for business. 

The benefits of diversity

Here are the positives of a diverse team:

  • enriches culture

  • brings varied experiences

  • different values

  • skills and ideas

  • variety and fun

  • talents

  • creativity

  • wide range of opinions

  • lively discussions and debates

  • more access to problem solving skills

I believe people are your most important resource, and we must learn to bring out the best in them. 

According to Bob Nelson PhD- best-selling author of 1501 ways to Reward Employees said:

“The only way to build a bright team is to highlight the shining elements that every member brings”.

As a business owner and leader, one of your ultimate goals for managing your team is:  to embrace the diversity of your people. This approach will get the best out of what your people can bring to your company or organisation.

At the same time, develop them to be:

  • self-motivated

  • self-managed

  • self-lead

  • self-regulate

  • grow personally and professionally

  • be inspired to work towards: your company’s vision & mission and deliver outstanding results 

In summary, this makes for a great team and fundamentally a successful and profitable business and workplace culture where everyone thrives and wins!

If we can help you with workshops for your teams and workplace culture, reach out for a no obligation discussion.