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The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace

This blog will highlight how cultural diversity plays an important role in a workplace. 

With the emergence of technology and globalization, organizations are making an effort to succeed in cultural diversity in the workplace due to its numerous benefits and importance. “Cultural diversity in the workplace is when companies are open to hiring employees from all sorts of different backgrounds; regardless of race, religion and culture.” (Clarke, 2019).  Globally, as a human race, we are a very diverse species around the world, with many cultures, languages and beliefs. Hence, cultural diversity should be embraced likewise to ensure the diversity of workplace.

“Employers have realized that workforce diversity provides both material and intangible benefits.” (Sawyer, 2018).  By communicating their commitment to tackle the challenge of a diverse workplace, employers will then reap the benefits of cultural diversity in a work environment. Some types of diversity are education, ethnicity, generations, gender, religion, LGBT community, workers with disabilities and military veterans.  Education with the proper measures, will help companies to achieve maximum growth and at the same time, eliminating cultural differences that could cause conflicts. Ethnicity would generally mean language barriers or a difference in business conducts. Some different generations would be generation x, millennials and traditionalists that explains a diverse workforce. For example, millennials prefer flexibility in their duties and conducting tasks that align with their personal values. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 36% of women had a bachelor’s degree by the age of 31 in comparison to 28% of men.” (Statistics, 2018) but women suffer from low income and workplace issues like harassment. Religion is all over a workplace, for example, dietary requirements or particular day off and it has always been understated in a workplace.  The LGBT community consists of distinct groups with different needs and experiences whereby addressing to these needs are empirical to the importance of cultural diversity. Companies have valued cultural diversity greatly, for example, Johnson & Johnson was ranked first on Diversity Inc`s top companies for diversity in 2018 (DiversityInc, 2019). The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace cannot be understated. Companies with a transparent diversity and inclusion policy benefit from happier and more productive employee and a great goodwill.

THE 2019 DIVERSITYINC TOP 50 COMPANIES FOR DIVERSITY : https://www.diversityinc.com/the-2019-top-50-diversityinc/

What is cultural diversity? : https://www.deputy.com/blog/the-importance-of-cultural-diversity-in-the-workplace

Amazing benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace : https://inside.6q.io/benefits-of-cultural-diversity-in-the-workplace/