Workplace Diversity (Summary)

Creating and managing a diverse workforce is an  important skill for people in management positions.  Diversity is no longer a back-up option and has in fact become a necessity for organizations looking to succeed in the globally connected world.  As outlined in this video by Workopolis, companies are realizing the importance of a diverse workforce and are incorporating diversity and workplace equity in their organizational goals, values, vision and mission. The advantages of a diverse workforce are far greater than the challenges associated with it. Effective diversity management enhances both organizational and individual employee performance.

[1] Video Source: www.youtube.com

BMO

BMO Financial Group has been a proud leader in effectively managing and promoting diversity and workplace equity. "Today, BMO's commitment to diversity and workplace equity continues to be supported by a comprehensive system of goal setting, monitoring, and evaluation processes using clear metrics and benchmarks." [1] Hence, BMO is an example of an organization that has successfully managed diversity by putting specific measures in place. Goal-setting, monitoring and feedback are important to maintain a healthy workplace environment. An inclusive workplace enhances employee motivation and productivity which further helps an organization like BMO succeed in a competitive industry.

More information about how Diversity is incorporated into BMO's Organizational Vision and Values can be found at the following link:
http://www.bmo.com/home/about/banking/corporate-responsibility/employees/diversity-equity-inclusion

BMO's core principles and Vision emphasize diversity as the key for not only enhancing employee morale but for also attracting talented potential employees. Additionally, the company acknowledges commitment to diversity as an important step in providing exceptional service to its customers.

BMO is the founder and sponsor of the annual Canada's Best Diversity Employers Competition.  

[1] Guffey, M.E., Rhodes, K., & Rogen, P. (2011). Business Communication: Process and Product. (6th ed.). Toronto: Nelson.
[2] Image Source: www.google.ca

Managing Diversity

In order to be successful, an organization needs to strategically understand and manage the challenges related to a diverse workforce. "If not managed properly, diversity can, hinder productivity, create conflicts, lead to communication gaps, result in unfair hiring/promotional preferences."[1]

It is crucial for an organization to maintain the right balance between diversity and fairness. An initiative by an employer to be 'inclusive' to one group of employees might be viewed as biased by another group of employees. An example of this scenario is the controversy around relaxed policies based upon an employee's disability. A manager who would be willing to accommodate a disabled employee might come across as biased to other employees who might not understand the context. Another example are the religious breaks (for prayers) which again could create conflict between employees with different religious backgrounds. Company's stand on diversity related practices need to be effectively communicated through policies, awareness and open discussion. Hence, it is very important to understand both the advantages and the challenges associated with a diverse workforce and to follow the required steps so as to strategically manage the impact.

[1] Chang, R.Y. (1996). Capitalizing on workplace diversity: a practical guide to organizational success through diversity. Irvine, Calif.: R. Chang Associates.

Strategic Management (Cont...)

In order to manage workplace diversity, the following strategies can be employed:

1. Incorporate diversity into company policies: Almost all the companies today have written policies. These policies should be properly laid-out in simple, easy-to-understand language and should incorporate clear guidelines on diversity management. The policies should lay out the company's stand on diversity, fairness, related company values and core principles. Effectively communicated policies are a good reference for employees when there is confusion or misunderstandings.

2. Awareness: Various companies hold diversity meetings to specifically talk about diversity with employees. We recently had one such meeting at Sheridan where employees from different departments joined together to express their views, opinions, and feedback on the topic. This is a form of shared learning where employees from various backgrounds bring diverse experience and perspectives. Such meetings should focus on communicating and analyzing the impact of diversity.

3. Open door policy: Open door management policy is crucial in addressing workplace diversity related challenges. Employees should be encouraged to ask questions or bring forth their concerns.  This is an influential strategy for understanding staff perspectives and addressing them accordingly.

[1] Strategic Management and Organizational Behaviour Courses (Schulich School of Business)

Strategic Management

How can a company manage workplace diversity?

As long as management and employees are ignorant to the potential impacts of a situation, it is hard to work towards an effective solution!

I took a Strategic Management and an Organizational Behavior course at Schulich School of Business few years back and both courses talked about the ways to strategically manage the diverse workforce. Hence, from my experience and knowledge (courses), in order for an organization to be successful, it should incorporate diversity into company policies, increase awareness, and implement an open door management policy.

[1] Strategic Management and Organizational Behaviour Courses (Schulich School of Business)

Workplace Diversity Challenges

Although, there are many advantages to having a diverse workforce but there are also various challenges associated with it. In a diverse workplace, there is high sensitivity among employees coming from different backgrounds who may or may not understand the cultural beliefs or perspectives of others around them. Conflicts often arise due to stereotypes, prejudices, biases, contradicting cultural beliefs, varying emotional or mental capabilities, etc. Hence, managing a diverse workforce is very important so as to ensure that diversity has a positive impact on employee productivity rather than creating a negative morale or low self-esteem. The video below emphasizes 'awareness' as an important tool in addressing workplace diversity.

[1] Video Source: www.youtube.com

Benefits of workplace diversity (cont...)

A diverse workforce not only benefits the company but it also helps employees. Employees' benefit from the contribution of ideas from their colleagues. In a diverse workforce, there is shared learning among employees on a continual basis. Employees' not only learn from each others' experiences but also benefit from the vast pool of knowledge and skills that their colleagues bring to the team. On an individual level, an employee develops greater understanding of different cultures; there is greater tolerance and patience towards others with varying needs. Hence, the benefits carry forward to one's personal life as well.

[1] Image Source: www.google.ca

Benefits of workplace diversity...

As discussed earlier, an increasingly diverse workforce is the new reality of the globally connected business world. There has been an increased awareness regarding the benefits of diversity which has resulted in more and more companies welcoming the change. So what really are these benefits that the employers' are trying to target?
As explained in the Business Communication book,  "a diverse staff is better able to read trends and respond to increasingly diverse customer base in local and world markets. In the workplace diversity also makes good business sense. Teams made up of people with various business experiences are more likely to create the products that consumers demand. Customers also want to deal with companies that respect their values"[1]. Hence, workplace diversity can be strategically used to gain competitive advantage, succeed in new markets, and enhance creativity and innovation within teams.

[1] Guffey, M.E., Rhodes, K., & Rogen, P. (2011). Business Communication: Process and Product. (6th ed.). Toronto: Nelson.
[2] Image Source: www.google.ca

Global business environment

Globalization - the new trend!

One of the most significant trends facing the business world today is globalization of markets. Globalization has resulted in the need for a diverse workforce so as to better meet the needs of a diverse customer base. More and more companies are taking advantage of the markets abroad and are altering services and products to target diverse markets. Technological advancements have also played a huge part in increasing and enhancing global connectivity. Employees in different parts of the world can now work together and hold virtual meetings. In fact, majority of the work roles today require employees to work with colleagues across borders to complete their day to day tasks.

Being in Canada, working with colleagues in United States is second nature to most of us. While working at CGC Inc., a lot of my projects required virtual meetings with colleagues across border. I enjoyed most of these meetings, which allowed us to get the information we need from colleagues working at different locations. What about you? What is your experience like with virtual meetings?

Diversity Training (Cont...)

Currently, my position at Sheridan College requires face-to-face interaction with students and instructors. In my current position, my diversity training focused on AODA training in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Under the new act, companies are required to provide mandatory AODA training  to staff (mostly staff directly interacting with customers) so they can serve the diverse needs of clients.

(Video - Explaining the new Act)

[1] Video Source: www.youtube.com