Embracing diversity in workplace

Darrin Walsh

Workforce diversity is a valuable asset for any business.

It has become an over used phrase and, to some extent, lost its meaning for businesses.

Many businesses pride themselves on having a diverse workforce, one that is made up of individuals who come from all walks of life - each having wide-ranging views and experiences.

The key characteristics of workforce diversity include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, ability and sexual orientation.

A business that embraces its diversity can become a very competitive and have an innovative edge over other businesses. Workplace diversity can, however, bring with it a raft of issues.

Discrimination occurs when someone is denied opportunities on a personal characteristic that has absolutely no bearing on their performance.

It can bring great tension and can be disruptive in any workforce.

All businesses in the modern age should have diversity management policies in place that address the issues that can arise:

Race: Different race and ethnicity mean you could have a range of different customs and beliefs in your workplace. These differences can pose a challenge to a happy and engaged workforce.

Gender: Women have constantly battled to obtain equal pay for comparable work and have the same challenges of moving into managerial positions. Women also face gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place.

Age: Today's workforce is gradually getting older. People are working longer now, up to or past retirement age of 65. The pension in many cases not being enough to live off and people are generally looking at working well past 65. Having an older workforce can bring clashes of ideas - always wanting to do what we have always done.

Religion: Many workforces now will have a diverse range of religious beliefs - this too can bring varying views and beliefs that can cause tension in the workplace. Discrimination for religious reasons is common, especially with some of the extremists that exist worldwide.

Ability: Many employers employ varying degrees of ability - this too can bring some tension and discrimination between employees because someone is different.

How your business copes with these issues can be the difference of whether or not it will succeed in today's increasingly diverse environment.

Having policies and procedures in place to ensure adequate training is given to your staff is a must.

The diversity processes you put in place will lead to a positive work environment that is relatively free of discrimination.

To help you with this the Chamber of Commerce and the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust are putting on a half-day workshop on March 25 from 9am"1.30pm.

The workshop is complimentary to EEO and chamber members - $25 per person for non-members.

-To register please go to events@eeotrust.org.nz or contact the chamber office.

-Darrin Walsh is chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce