Diversity, according to the Department of Interior in the Office of Civil Rights, is a term “used broadly to refer to many demographic variables, including, but not limited to, race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics.” A broad topic, it has many nuances. Its rise in the workplace has made growth possible for both management and employees.

Diversity is essential in the professional world because it generates mutual respect. Different workers from all types of cultural background bring a plethora of talent and strengths to businesses.  In a multi-generation workforce, techies teach, share expertise such as the usefulness of Excel compared to the traditional creation of a table to document financial information. Interaction follows in which dialogue for other project collaboration begins.

Awareness of differences enables and assists in conflict resolution. Because awareness implies putting oneself in another person’s point of view, discussion of conflict can show similarities in perspective, facilitating resolution of problems such as quality control and leadership style.

A multicultural, multi-generational workplace is a rich learning place. Exposure to individual differences provides a window into one’s capacity to integrate new software, apps and gadgets into personal work style. Employees hear or receive suggestions, as well as making some themselves to solve challenges from a new perspective. Understanding new approaches improves overall teamwork and cohesiveness.

In general, human beings are defined by difference. No two persons are alike down to their most basic component, as DNA research has proven. Seen and experienced daily in the workplace, differences in individuals can be harnessed for growth that can produce a positive ripple effect in businesses. Differences and similarities are ingredients of progress and diversity.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help