Diversity Training

In most companies today, diversity training has become a mandatory component of employee training. New hires are usually provided with copies of the company's policies on diversity followed by specific information sessions geared towards encouraging open communication and addressing diversity related issues. However, every company customizes the training to focus on areas that are of importance to their business environment or clientele.

For example, I worked as a new grad contract employee (coordinating projects) at CGC Inc. and my training as a new hire in this company specifically focused on diversity within workforce. Since my position required working with various cross-functional teams, my training specifically emphasized on respect, equality, and tolerance for all team members. The company had an 'Open door' policy where all managers encouraged open and direct discussion for any workplace related issues faced by employees. 

[1] Images source: www.google.ca

What is workplace diversity?

Diversity is a broad term and its meaning is continuously evolving with the changing world. Diversity has become an increasingly popular term in politics, education, workplaces, arts, etc. The word encompasses varying context based meanings which makes it challenging to summarize its definition in few words. I have chosen to write this blog specifically about workplace diversity because being a business graduate and currently working, I have been increasingly exposed to workplace diversity training. Workplace diversity has become a major concern for companies inspiring to make a global footprint.

The business dictionary defines workplace diversity as "similarities and differences among employees in terms of age, cultural background, physical abilities and disabilities, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation." [1] Although, this definition does a good job of summarizing some key aspects of the term, however, the term in its individuality stands for 'inclusion and equality'. Workplace diversity emphasizes 'acceptance of all' irrespective of differences (physical, emotional, intellectual, age, colour, creed, sex, religion, language, education, appearance, race, parental status, etc.)

(Photo: Diversity)

[1] What is workforce diversity? definition and meaning. (n.d.). BusinessDictionary.com - Online Business Dictionary. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/workforce-diversity.html
[2] Image source: www.google.ca