One of the key elements of managing workplace diversity is
to focus on similarities not differences. By focusing on our
similarities, we are building a firm foundation for understanding
each others diversity.
Many employers have developed models of good practice.
Initiatives such as The
Anti-Racist Workplace Week have sought to highlight racism
issues. Effective workplace relationships are essential for the success
of your organisation.
The key elements of a best practice model for managing workplace
diversity include a workplace that –
- Builds commitment to the need for change and generates new ideas by
talking and listening openly and honestly to everyone in the workplace
- Ensures all staff understand the impact of their work on the client
by informing and consulting them on changing organisational challenges,
priorities and plans.
- Identifies and harness’s all possible sources of knowledge using
knowledge management systems and formal and informal learning processes.
- Makes learning, work-life balance, health and safety and good
quality employment a priority for your organisation.
- Encourages co-workers to share ideas and work together. Builds
collaborative clusters with other organisations and public sector
agencies
- Implements complimentary 'bundles' of workplace practices such as
team working, involvement, reward and remuneration, communication,
training and development.
- Improves management and leadership capacity to encourage employee
involvement and support effective and co-operative workplace
partnerships.
- Assesses management and staff training needs, develops learning
plans and gives them the necessary support and funding.
- Enhances equality and diversity policies, recruitment and retention
strategies and policies for promoting quality of working life.
The benefits of diversity management include –
- Significant improvements in the bottom line through improving the
efficiency of human resource management.
- Increased job satisfaction, which translates into lower absenteeism
and turnover.
- High levels of productivity and performance.
There are also many intangible benefits. These include enhancing
the reputation of the organisation and improving team &
client relationships.
What are you doing to manage diversity in the workplace? Why not take
positive action now?
Here are useful publications to help you design and implement a best
practice policy for managing workplace diversity -
A step by step guide to support organisations to implement best practice
and achieve equality in intercultural workplaces - Promoting Equality in Intercultural Workplaces
Managing Diversity in the Workplace – click
here
Visit the website of the National Action
Plan Against Racism (NPAR). The emphasis throughout the plan is
on developing reasonable and common sense measures to
accommodate cultural diversity in Ireland.
