The Value of Workplace Diversity

Workplace diversity is one of the most key elements that any business and corporation must have and utilize. The numerous types of workplace diversity are what make us function so well both as a society and as effective businesses. The purpose to having a diverse workplace is to expand the knowledge and experience of all that are within that company. These diversity aspects are what make a successful and highly functioning work environment. Diverse workplace is critical because it embodies a compilation of all human ideas, cultures and backgrounds put into an inventive and forward thinking group of individuals. Managing individuals are looking for an A-team group type atmosphere that will be highly functioning with inventive ideas and able to apply all sorts of ideals garnered from there co-workers because of the diversity.

The concept of workplace diversity simply put is what essentially makes us human yet different. Griffin and Morehead state that it is in a sense a compilation of various factors such as sex, age, race, religion, beliefs and cultural background along with significant others. You might say that yes everyone is different and they contribute something but it is this individuality that makes them so unique in the workplace while also being so effective in incorporating ideas. As managers it is very important to be receptive of new ways of thinking especially when it comes to innovative yet different ideas.

There are many degrees and variations to workplace diversity that span the range of differences people can have. Lets focus on how Motherhood or Fatherhood adds diversity, you may not think being a parent adds diversity but it does. Example: When you become a parent your focus and goals for life go through a series of changes and transformation, as does your thought process. In turn your change is reflected in the work that you output down to the ideas and thoughts that go into project suggestions or your daily tasks and functions. Described in detail the British Journal of Management that discusses the effects of being parents in the workplace. Examples and changes can be seen in many instances and situations but take a set of parents who work for a tabacco company, the parents are smokers and the grandparents are smokers however lately the new parents are not so enthusiastic about their jobs. This is because they have gone through a change that’s part of the diversity process.