Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace

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Image Source - (Duisburg, n.d.)

Diversity in the workplace has numerous advantages. Diverse viewpoints, attitudes, and ideas can lead to increased innovation and improved problem-solving. This can help businesses better service their customers, expand into new areas, and acquire a competitive edge. A diverse workplace can also help those from traditionally underrepresented groups feel more at home. Employees may feel better integrated into the team when they are no longer the sole woman, person of color, or person with a disability. Employee engagement, turnover, and productivity can all benefit from this. However, bringing a varied group of people together can present some difficulties. Let's look at what they are and how to deal with them(Sapling, n.d.). 

Issues with communication

Communication problems can arise in a variety of teams and for a variety of causes. There could be communication impediments, differing communication styles or preferences on your team, or those with hearing loss. It's critical to deal with these issues before they become a problem(Sapling, n.d.). Consider the case where you discover a generational divide in communication preferences. Slack is preferred by your younger team members, whereas the phone is preferred by your elder team members. Both groups could benefit from some direction on when and how to use each platform. For example, you could recommend Slack for short queries and informal contact, while you use the phone, in-person meetings, or Zoom sessions for more in-depth discussions.

Misconceptions about culture

When people from different cultures get together, miscommunications are common. Giving a thumbs up, utilizing your left hand, or patting someone on the back, for example, are all considered insulting in various cultures. Creating a diverse workplace can assist the aggrieved team member in recognizing a misunderstanding for what it is. People are more willing to give others the benefit of the doubt if they believe their team mates accept their differences. When team members say or do something potentially offensive, an inclusive workplace will create an environment where they embrace feedback and education. Teachable moments can help each team member contribute to a more inclusive workplace while also broadening their own cultural knowledge and awareness(Sapling, n.d.). 

Decisions are made more slowly

Diverse viewpoints, attitudes, and ideas are beneficial to innovation, yet they also stymie decision-making and movement toward goals. In a meeting, for example, a team member who questions the status quo may raise a crucial point that has to be discussed. Allow more time for teams to consider other ideas, debate them, and come to better informed judgments by allowing more time for them to consider different ideas, debate them, and come to more informed decisions. Allowing people to speak up, even in areas where they are not experts, has numerous advantages. However, there should always be a final decision maker who can analyze all ideas and determine the best course of action. It's critical that they acknowledge and recognize contributors in order for other team members to feel valued for their contributions(CFI, n.d.).

Discrimination

It's probable that as you diversify your staff, you'll see more biases, discrimination, and harassment. In reality, 61 percent of workers have seen or experienced workplace discrimination based on their age, color, gender, or LGBTQ+ status. This can prevent employees from bringing their true self to work, stifling innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are inextricably linked. Communicate the importance of both to your staff, and use a Code of Conduct to set expectations. During the employee lifecycle, including recruitment and onboarding, as well as team meetings, talk about your D&I goals and progress. Everyone involved should understand that diversity and inclusion is a top concern, and that prejudice will not be tolerated. It's probable that as you diversify your staff, you'll see more biases, discrimination, and harassment. In reality, 61 percent of workers have witnessed or experienced workplace discrimination based on their age, color, gender, or sexual orientation.

References

CFI, (n.d) What is Diversity Management? [Online]CFI.
Availableat: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/diversity-management/ [Accessed 03rd December 2021].

Dominguez, M. (2016) Benefits of Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace [Online] KPC. Available at: https://www.kpcinc.com/benefits-of-managing-cultural-diversity-in-the-workplace/ [Accessed 03rd December 2021].

Duisburg, (n.d) Diversity Management: Realising Potential [Online] Open Mind.
Available at: https://www.uni-due.de/en/diversity_management.php
[Accessed 10th December 2021].

Sapling, (n.d) Top Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace—And How to Address Them [Online] Sapling. Available at: https://www.saplinghr.com/blog/top-challenges-of-diversity-in-the-workplace-and-how-to-address-them [Accessed 10th December 2021].

 

Comments

  1. R.A.M.D.Rajapaksha12 December 2021 at 05:49

    Our company also struggle with these issues. But anyhow we used some strategies and we were overcome those.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denuwan Munasinghe18 December 2021 at 05:54

      Yes. We use this workforce diversity proper. we can reduce problems.

      Delete
  2. Prasadi Purnima Dilrukshi14 December 2021 at 07:55

    Great post.Advantages and Disadvantages also can be seen in workforce diversity

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anuruddha Shanaka14 December 2021 at 08:30

    Discrimination most frequently occurs as one of four major types.
    1.Racial discrimination in the workplace.
    2.Sex and gender discrimination in the workplace.
    3.Age discrimination in the workplace.
    4.Disability discrimination in the workplace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denuwan Munasinghe18 December 2021 at 05:58

      Yes Mr.Anurudda. these type also important for organization

      Delete
  4. Lasath Karunanayake14 December 2021 at 19:58

    Valuable and updated information, thank you very much for sharing,

    ReplyDelete
  5. Duminda Gunathilake15 December 2021 at 05:04

    Very clear explanation .Highly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chinthaka Kiulgalla16 December 2021 at 09:27

    Your blog is very useful. Keep writing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AKILA18 December 2021 at 00:29

    HR departments have to create successful strategies to overcome the challengers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denuwan Munasinghe18 December 2021 at 06:00

      Yes. Mr. Akila. Human Resources has know about these things

      Delete
  8. AKILA18 December 2021 at 00:30

    HR departments have to create successful strategies to overcome the challengers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. H.A.Sampath18 December 2021 at 06:06

    Value added to my knowledge from this article.

    ReplyDelete

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