Question

In content in this unit you have explored and discovered many aspects of diversity in the workplace. The importance of companies having an understanding of diversity, and its impact in all facets of the culture of that company, are key factors to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. With that in mind please address the following prompts in you discussion prompt this week.

What are the challenges when an organization practices valuing diversity and inclusion? How can the challenges be overcome?

Is it the responsibility of the employer to ensure a work environment which is bias-free and inclusive for all employees? Why or Why not? Does any responsibility fall onto the employee’s themselves?

How can strategies be developed to increase diversity and inclusion within the workplace? How can they be achieved?

Answer 1

Diversity in an organisation means employees working in the organisation belong to different culture, region, language, countries, etc.

In an organisation, following challenges are faced:

1. Difficulty in communication: It makes difficult for the people to communicate as the language can become barrier.
2. Conflict in opinions: Diversity may lead to conflict in opinions. Employees may belong to different cultures and opinion which can create differences in their opinions, working styles, etc.
3. Biasness: The employer may create biasness on the basis of employees’ culture, languages, region etc.
4. Cultural difference: In work environment, the difference causes hinderance in the smooth working of the organisation.

SOLUTION:

1. Good Grievance Mechanism: The organisation should have the dispute settlement mechanism for all those who are facing any kind of difficulty or trouble.
2. Providing training: Appropriate training should be given; proper workshops should be given for guiding employees and management how to efficiently work in diverse and inclusive environment.
3. Group activities: Activities should be conducted so that employees can better understand each other and work efficiently and effectively in diverse environment.

Employer is equally responsible for bias free environment. He is the one who can bridge the gap between the employees and bring on the environment which is more employee friendly. He can initiate and help employees to understand each other and work together. He can bring the sense of belongingness among employees.

The responsibility of employees is equal. They should be cooperative and should come forward to work inclusively. Employees should be open to all types of learning, team activity and enthusiastically step forward.

Strategies can be developed to increase diversity and inclusion within the workplace:

Infusion of talented workforce: Opportunity should be given to employees based on talent and their skills.

Mixing the workforce with diversity: bringing onto more diversity and inclusive workforce.

The strategies should be precise and implemented proper with biasness. The management should take to make the organisation diverse and inclusive.