Diversity is a good thing because employees' differences help companies get a wider range of perspectives, and as a result, their solutions are much more creative. On the other hand, employee diversity requires a strong focus on workplace inclusion.
1. Embrace your coworkers' differences
If you have ever been interested in the issue of women in the military, then you probably know that many countries do not make women's military uniforms, so females are obliged to wear huge men's pants and men's underwear. This kind of problem is not only relevant to the army but also to manufacturing, for example. In addition to the fact that women's work can significantly deteriorate for this reason, it also affects their morale and makes them feel restricted and oppressed.
However, the solution to this problem is quite simple: sew women's uniforms. And it's not just about uniforms because you can apply this principle to any other aspect. When one group on your team feels inferior to another because their needs aren't being met, simply meet those needs. If you're a makeup artist who works with models of color, make sure you have the right foundation shades that suit their beautiful skin. If you have people with disabilities in your office, build comfortable ramps for their wheelchairs.
2. Fight stereotypes by encouraging co-working
The world is long past the period when the protagonist of each story was a white heterosexual male in his thirties. Today, leaders are people from different groups, but not everyone is ready for this change. So, for example, chances are that a male IT team would not be happy if a woman suddenly became their boss. In their heads, a woman is simply incapable of having enough skills to hold the position, so they will test her by putting her under a lot of pressure.
In such cases, your job is to support your colleague as much as possible. Most likely, after noticing her excellent work skills, subordinates will recognize her competence as a result. Encourage dialogue between your colleagues so that this happens as quickly as possible. The best way to maintain diversity in the workplace is to challenge stereotypes.
The path to diversity begins with supporting, mentoring, and sponsoring diverse women and men to become leaders and entrepreneurs.
Denise Morrison, American business executive
3. Expect them to do better
Sometimes, stereotypes can be justified. Before you start to get outraged, listen to how it works. If a child is constantly told they are dumb, they will believe it and, as a result, will actually perform worse in school than their classmates. This works with different groups as well. While there are frequent and extremely nice exceptions, oppressed groups often tend to perform worse. After all, nothing else is expected of them!
Breaking this wheel is easier than it seems: start expecting more. For example, parliaments in many countries have passed a law that there should be fifty percent women in government. In addition, there are many public and private courses aimed at improving skills or helping people from oppressed groups gain new professions. This approach gives oppressed groups a chance to prove themselves, and in turn gives companies and governments access to diverse human resources.
4. Be tolerant, patient, and empathic
An important point in diversity management is the leader's willingness to empathize. Different cultures produce different personalities. Although it may sound stereotypical (oh no, do not think we've become what we've been fighting against), for example, Italians tend to be slower when doing their job, while the Japanese are obsessed with the cult of productivity. Consequently, this can be a barrier to understanding.
As the leader of a multinational team, you need to turn on your empathy to the maximum level. You can't take sides when it comes to cultural diversity at work because one way or another, you have to understand everyone. Encourage dialogue among your colleagues and try to optimize your work processes so that these specificities don't get in your way. Check out our summary of We Can't Talk about That at Work! to get more advice on inclusivity for leaders.
5. Increase your diversity
Remember that there are various types of diversity in the world. If you want to maximize the benefits of diversity at work, you have to make it work to your advantage. For example, many companies try to hire an equal number of young workers who have just graduated from university and experienced professionals with vast experience. This approach allows you to combine fresh ideas and experienced assessment of the situation, which gives the company a much better perspective.
6. Do not hire a racist
You can't beat stereotypes overnight, and you will most likely face this problem at work one way or another. However, there are different degrees of ignorance. Consequently, when you are trying to fill your team with as many diverse people as possible, it won't be good if one of your subordinates named Mike starts spouting sexist or homophobic slurs.
Combating this is easy: check out who you're hiring. When interviewing for a job, be sure to ask questions about their willingness to work in a broadly diverse team. In fact, many people prone to discrimination may start to mumble, and you will immediately recognize them as not a good fit for your team. To get more insights on this topic, read our summary of How to Be an Antiracist.
7. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the groups you work with
There is nothing worse than an arrogant leader. In trying to achieve the best possible inclusion culture, you may overdo it due to your ignorance. Therefore, for example, you should not offer your Muslim colleague a drink during Ramadan because it can be awkward and even offensive. On the other hand, familiarizing yourself with the specifics can elevate you in your coworkers' eyes as a leader. For instance, you may allow women in your company to work from home on the first day of their menstruation.
This approach will not only elevate you in the eyes of your subordinates but also increase their efficiency. People are much more committed to work they love. In addition, even more so, they are much more inspired in an environment they are comfortable in.
Progress is unstoppable, which means many people will have to change their approach to life as a result, but it is definitely a positive change. We are all equal before the law. However, many ignorant bosses may pay people less because of their gender, color, or nationality, for example. This strategy won't get you anywhere good because restricted groups will not strive to work more efficiently. So, work to foster the best workplace culture, where everyone feels included and valued.
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