DIVERSITY AT WORKPLACE

Canada is a multicultural company. It is necessary that the workplace is the reflection of the society to promote the feeling of equality. Moreover, as global markets emerge workplace diversity has become a business necessity.

What do you mean by workplace diversity?

Workplace diversity implies to creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges individual differences, embraces their qualities and provide opportunities to attain their full potential.(Anti Discrimination Commission Queensland,2013)

(Writer, L. G.,2011)

Workplace diversity is vital for employees. Following are the five reasons why workplace diversity is important to the employees:

•  Mutual respect: workplace diversity nurture mutual respect among the employees. Employees nevertheless acknowledge the various skills and talents that diversity brings to the workplace, and they gain respect for each other.
• Conflict Resolution: conflict is very likely to occur in the work environment. Acknowledging differences, finding similarities and compliance and reduce the chances of conflicts.
• Job promotion: diversity enables the organizations to reach foreign markets which create two kinds of opportunities for the employees – opportunities for promotion and employee development.
• Increased exposure: in multigenerational work environments employees can learn better work styles and attitudes from experienced coworkers. Also, the old colleagues can learn the use of new technology and processes.(Writer, L. G.,2011)

On the other hand, if there are discrimination and biases in the workplace it may affect the individuals being discriminated in many aspects. It can cause stress and other health issues. What can be some other disadvantages of discrimination? Give your opinions in the comment below.  

References

• Diversity in the workplace - Anti Discrimination Commission Queensland. (2013, June 27). Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://www.adcq.qld.gov.au/resources/for-employers/diversity-in-the-workplace
• Writer, L. G. (2011, May 21). Why Is Diversity in the Workplace Important to Employees? Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/diversity-workplace-important-employees-10812.html
• Writer, L. G. (2011, August 31). Advantages & Disadvantages of Diverse Workforce in an Organization. Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-diverse-workforce-organization-20467.html

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT PERSONALITY TYPES

In a workplace environment, we have to work and interact with various kinds of people. For example, when working as a team, different people have different approaches towards the same task. Some tend to plan things earlier while others like to do all the work at last moment. Getting along different personality type, a can be a bit challenge and can lead to missed deadlines and lower productivity.

(Dealing With Different Personality Types in the Workplace,2016)

Here are some tips that can help us to get along with people that are different from us:

• Find out how other people work and adapt accordingly.
• Everything is not a battle: you should not engage in conflicts because it leads to stress and work delays. We should realize that everyone is together and work towards the same goal.
• Be prepared: people repeat patterns and behave in a particular expected manner. Be prepared with a positive response to individual behavior and come up with a solution to resolve the issue.
• Communication: you must talk to your coworker and get their perspective communicate in a positive way and be tolerant and civil.
• Respect the differences: men and women, young and elders all have different approaches. Everyone doesn't think or act the same way as you do(Dealing With Different Personality Types in the Workplace,2016)

  

  (Kiplinger, March 2011)

         Different personalities bring different opinions to the table and can lead to better results and productivity. One must accept the differences and be tolerant.

References:

• Dealing With Different Personality Types in the Workplace. (2016, November 16). Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://today-magazine.com/dealing-different-personality-types-workplace/
• Kiplinger:7 Problem Work Personalities(And How to Deal with Them). (2011, March). Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-7-problem-work-personalities-and-how-to-deal-with/index.html 

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Diversity can’t be limited to culture, race or ethnic backgrounds. People can be different from each other by their physical abilities.

A Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.(Langtree, I., 2017)

Despite the disabilities, people can acquire the skills, education, and experience required for a job. Individuals with disabilities should be allowed to work in regular organizations among other employees.

(N.A.,2017)

Other coworkers can help them to overcome the barriers they face in the workplace. Following are some points to work efficiently with disabled co-workers.

•  Perception: limiting understanding of other colleagues can create additional barriers for people with disabilities. Other employees should not undercut an individual with disabilities by showing sympathy, making assumptions about their emotional behavior or treating them as a child.
• Provide assistance: a colleague may need a help of their employees, but they should not make assumptions when that is. They should avoid touching a person's equipment without their consent and permission.
• Communication: Employees with a disability may feel awkward when people treat them differently. Coworkers should always speak in a normal tone and directly to the person. They should not try to help the person by finishing their sentences.
• Events and meetings: social events, meetings, and training activities should be arranged at places, accessible to a person with disabilities.(Writer, L. G.,2011)

Several multinational companies are taking a step forward towards this issue. L'Oréal Paris, a well-known multinational corporation, has adopted several measures to create equal opportunities for people with disability.

(You Tube,2015)

As shown in this video there are several advantages of working with people with disability. Do you think there are some other benefits of working with people with disability? Share your views in comments.

References:

• Langtree, I. (2017, February 27). Defining Disability Diversity in Society. Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/diversity.php
• Writer, L. G. (2011, December 19). Tips on Working With Disabled Co-Workers. Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/tips-working-disabled-coworkers-36629.html
• Look To Your Co-Workers Before Your Boss When Trying To Accommodate An Injury Or Medical Condition. (2017, February 20). Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://workerscompensationwatch.com/2017/02/20/look-to-your-co-workers-before-your-boss-when-trying-to-accommodate-an-injury-or-medical-condition/
• Did you know? Top Facts about Disability in the Workplace | Disability at L'Oréal(2015, July 29). Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://youtu.be/5gwSEOotuZo

OVERCOMING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Culture can be pictured as an iceberg. You may be aware of only a small visible portion of culture, but you may be unaware of most of the invisible differences that exist. These invisible differences create issues among individuals from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. One way to overcome these cultural differences is effective multicultural communication.

Effective multicultural communication can be achieved by choosing the right frame of mind, building relationships and communicating effectively(WikiHow,2017). Here are some suggestion to overcome these invisible cultural differences.

·         Be prepared for surprises when working with culturally different people, especially if they are new to the work environment.

·         Gestures and body language can lead to misunderstandings and are often misinterpreted. If a person looks annoyed or confused by your gesture, clarify the intended meaning.

·         Avoid making assumptions and generalizations from a bad experience with a person because they can lead to stereotypes. Every individual is not the same, even if they are from a similar background or culture.

·         People with English as a second language may not be aware of acronyms or technical words. We should not assume that the person is uneducated or inexperienced. He or she may totally understand the issues and technicality of the job but may not be able to choose the right words in English.

·         Using visual aids like charts and drawings in meetings can help with better understanding.

·         Avoid discussion on sensitive topics like religion, ethnicity, politics, etc.(Laroche, L., & Rutherford, D.,2007)

Here is a video by Pellegrino Riccardi that how we can communicate better when we are in a place with people from different cultures.

(You Tube,2014)

The core to achieve effective multicultural communication is LLIIAA formula which means

LOOK, LISTEN, INTERPRET, INTERPRET AGAIN, ACT, ACCESS

As in the above video,  Pellegrino Riccardi has shared his experience with the different culture, you can also share your experience when working with the various cultures in the comment below.

References

• YouTube. (2014, October 21).Cross-Cultural Communication. Retrieved March 17, 2017, from https://youtu.be/YMyofREc5Jk
• WikiHow. (2017, March 15). How to Work With Different Cultures. Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://www.wikihow.com/Work-With-Different-Cultures
• Laroche, L., & Rutherford, D. (2007). Recruiting, retaining and promoting culturally different employees.UK: Elsevier, Inc.