It seems that diversity is a great thing...most of the time. When it comes to pizza, ice cream, potato chips, and even cars, people love having diverse options; a cheese pizza lover can readily see the value in a pepperoni pizza, and would hardly be at odds with all pizzas because of a different topping.
As of 2012, approximately 36% of the workforce is comprised of people who are not Caucasian. These include Hispanics (16%), African Americans (12%), and Asians (5%). According to census data gathered by the Diversity Resource Center, there will be no ethnic or racial majority in the United States by the year 2050. This will heavily impact the workplace, as immigrants and their children will account for 83% of the workforce growth.
"Effective" diversity training in the workplace is vital to successful working relationships, and successful organizations. The following tips can help employers, and employees, modify their behavior to foster racial awareness, respect, and inclusion:
Practice respect - When interacting with people from a different racial background, respect the difference. If a coworker has a different ethnicity, unusual accent, or a name that’s difficult to pronounce, make the effort to respect and accept differences as equally valid as your own identity.
Avoid jokes - If you’re making fun of someone's race, ethnicity, or nationality, it can only lead to harmful consequences. If you want to be witty or funny, poke fun at yourself.
Say "No" to stereotypes - The problem with stereotypes is that they can be hurtful – even when intended as a compliment. But even positive, complementary stereotypes are far from true – and usually frustrate the individual....one size does not fit all!
Get cultured - If coworkers are of a different race, or born in another country, make the effort to learn about their race and background. Everyone should be proud of who they are, but pride should never be synonymous with superiority.
Include everyone - Whenever making business decisions, involve people from diverse races. Involving team members from all backgrounds will help ensure that your decisions will be successful in our increasingly multi-ethnic/multi-racial society.
What should diversity training look like in 2018?
Have you ever participated in diversity training? Was it beneficial? If yes, why? If no, why not?
How can the case be made that diversity in the workplace is good for the bottom line, and good for everyone (e.g, employees, vendors, customers, communities, etc.)?