The benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace

Establishing diversity initiatives in an organization is of great value, and organizations which embrace diversity show many levels of success and growth.

Diversity is about setting a mindset of valuing the differences in people and recognizing the similarities, it is not only about achieving results. Once this way of thinking is established, the benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace tend to come naturally.

There are many good reasons to establish solid cultural diversity initiatives in the workplace. When you have a diverse cultural group of employees, it shows you recognize and celebrate the differences which exist in different backgrounds. It is important to realize the value of all people and what worthy contributions each individual can bring to the workplace.

In addition to these humanistic values, there are also some tangible business reasons for managing diversity. Actively pursuing to achieve diversity in the workplace can directly impact productivity and profitability. When you invest in diversity you can create a larger pool of talent which can provide you with a competitive edge in your industry.

When your organization is comprised of groups of people with different experiences and backgrounds, more innovative and creative ideas are a distinct result. It is only natural people who have varying life experiences and perspectives would be able to come up with unique solutions to problems which may not arise from groups who think similarly; this is of great value to an organization. The dynamic exchanges which occur between people with different perceptions often yield creative results.

Many organizational studies have come to conclude promoting diversity lowers absenteeism rates, can lower employee turnover costs and decrease liability in discrimination lawsuits (Robinson and Dechant, 1997). All of these issues which plague a company are costly, but by taking the time and resources to invest in diversity initiatives, you can alleviate many of these problems. Ultimately it equates to cost savings in your bottom line, which is an obvious solid business argument for promoting diversity.

When your organization invests in cultural diversity it better reflects today's business environment because you have faces representing different populations. Your employees are a valuable resource because

there is an increase in marketplace understanding. This is also more appealing to your customer base because there will be employees which customers identify with; this can even lead to growth of your customer base.

Global relationships are another aspect to consider. When you are engaging in business on the international level, you will encounter different philosophies and approaches to doing business. When you have a diverse group of employees, you can better reach out on a worldwide level because you'll receive a better understanding of how other cultures do business, and this is a vital component when doing business in today's global marketplace.

When your organization invests in diversity initiatives, this will ultimately equate to the betterment of the financial position of your company. Research has proven that companies which put an emphasis on diversity experience exponential business growth, increased innovation, and higher quality problem solving, all of which add considerable value to your company.

Investing in cultural diversity in your organization today is as valuable as investing in other initiatives such as technology or marketing. It is important to realize that in order to establish successful diversity in your organization, it has to start with management and work down and become a solid part of the organization's foundation.

If this can be achieved, the business can fully appreciate and realize the many benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace.

Reference:
Robinson, Gail and Dechant, Kathleen "Building a Business Case for Diversity" 

by Leigh Goessi
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