10 Ways Employees can Support Diversity and Inclusion

Why bother with the notion of inclusiveness and I say notion because the newly appointed Judge will soon tear it down with guidance from #45. Any strides made will soon disappear.

Does anyone there know that the root word for diversity is DIVIDE ? This is truly a divided or diverse country. We are divided by color of the skin, language, religion and culture. Diversity is not what made this country great it was Unity. Comments from a black perspective.

Diversity on unity

Treat people in a way they wish to be treated rather than the way you wish to be treated. Common social activities and practices that are comfortable for you may not be comfortable for everyone. Do not tell offensive jokes that may alienate those who are different from you — even if they are not present at the time. Most importantly, be respectful always. Diversity exists everywhere — not just in the office. Take these diversity principles into your community and your home.

If we couldn’t measure the impact of our diversity and inclusion efforts and programs, it would be a hard sell among company executives.

Diversity has always been an issue for some people especially in the workplace. It does not seem like people welcome different culture into their lives because it is different from theirs. As someone who loves to learn about new cultures and loves to indulge in new atmospheres, it is easy and exciting to meet new people who are different from myself. I think the ways you have addressed would help so much if that instance came along, however, including diversity in a business' agenda is not always the case.

The difference between inherent diversity and acquired diversity is something I’ve never thought of, but when you consider the differences between different generations, for example, it makes sense. Thanks for sharing this.

When closing out a team call or meeting, if the audience isn’t too large, ask how people plan to celebrate the holiday. Use your company’s intranet to help employees be aware of and keep track of multicultural religious or holiday celebrations. Be respectful of these days when scheduling meetings, and understand that employees may have different needs and require flexibility.

You know what? This is more common than we think, I work in construction in Canberra and we got lot of these happening in a daily basis, take for example a friend, George unsuccessfully applies for a position with a construction company. When he telephones the company’s personnel manager to ask why he did not get the position, George is told: ‘We’ve employed people from your country before. You lot simply don’t share our work ethic’.

Li-Huei unsuccessfully applies for a job as a receptionist with a large hotel. When she calls the human resources manager to ask why she did not get the job, she is told that the manager doesn’t want to employ a receptionist with an accent. Nobody knows George and Li, since they didn't make any report or share their stories, but yes it is there, happening.

Some companies struggle to understand what D&I is or it’s potential value.

Others understand the subject but haven’t yet implemented or updated relevant policies.

Spurred by a growing social consciousness, businesses are slowing making a more concerted effort to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Great article Robin, the workplace should be a great place.

Diversity and inclusion are nightmares for new employees. This article is such a big help, that there exist a community to help.

Glad that there are employers that have concerns with their employees. Adjustment is not easy. It takes time.

One of the best tactics, albeit a pretty expensive one, is to set up a trip and travel abroad to a diverse culture. Travel expands the minds and emersing yourself in a new culture and opens you up to so many experiences.

Research shows that even just the presence of physical diversity results in better performance and for companies that are data-driven, that extra performance boost can be extremely motivating,” Clark says. “It’s also the fact that companies that lack diversity are being called out publicly, and may even be losing business, not to mention falling behind when it comes to recruiting. Even Google is starting to show signs that their lack of diversity is affecting them.

Awesome post!

In our company we have often found that diversity is exactly what creates progress. In a sales driven world we have to understand that not all people think the same way we do. In our own mind our ideas are best when what truly matters is what the customer thinks. Having diversity in the work place is what gives us that perspective and allows us to be the best employer and business we can be.

It is important to strive to treat all individuals with mutual respect. Of course, this can be easier said than done, but through our service visiting customers' homes, we always do our very best to provide high quality care to each person, despite any background differences.

The last thing a business owner wants to deal with is being accused of not having a diverse enough business. Be inclusive of all people and you'll have a successful business

The last thing a business owner wants to deal with is being accused of not having a diverse enough business. Be inclusive of all people and you'll have a successful business and thanks

We love all of our employees. We believe that if you can work you can work.

These are great pointers for businesses!!!! Love this article!

I feel like we're continually finding parameters to divide ourselves by and creating all these group identities vying to be included in some way. When are we going to understand that we're all the same thing? We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and are all ultimately compost. Why let your identity be defined by some random factor that you had no choice in assigning to your self (skin color, orientation, disability, etc…)?

As a budding business owner these are incredibly important topics to consider. It's ironic how even 6 years after the article was first published we still struggle mightily with diversity and inclusion. Thank you!

Engaging people at every level is the hallmark of good leaders in not only business but life. Great post!

I'm moved by this statement: Often, negative behavior comes from ignorance rather than malice. A willingness to educate can go along way.

Anyway, thank you for stating those 10 remarkable points. That's all what we need.

Realistic optimism, She has everything that a good quality of CEO should have.

Totally agree that education is one of the most important things in life.