How do I Foster Diversity in the Workplace?

Diversity in the workplace includes sensitivity and tolerance to others who differ in race, religion or culture. Although discrimination in the workplace is illegal, laws do not automatically change attitudes, and encouraging diversity awareness may require proactive activities.

Identification

Practices prohibited by U.S. anti-discrimination laws include disparate treatment of employees based on race, national origin, color, sex, age or physical disability. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) enforces the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other legislation that calls for fair employment practices.

Types

A 2003 UCLA faculty recruiting publication advises that fostering diversity may require actively recruiting members of traditionally underrepresented groups. Some techniques of active recruitment may include widely advertising open positions and even direct contact of qualified colleagues from minority groups to inform them of job openings.

Embracing Diversity

The Association for Specialists in Group Work states that the first step to becoming diversity-competent is to raise awareness of issues involved in working with people who differ in race, culture, religion or sexual orientation. Training sessions and discussions are two techniques for raising awareness. One goal is recognition of the negative impacts of sexism, racism and stereotyping on personal and professional relationships.

References

• UCLA: Faculty Diversity
• ASGW: Principles of Diversity-Competent Groups

Resources

• AllBusiness.com: Embracing Diversity