How to Build a Positive Relationship in a Diverse Work Place

Valuing diversity in the workplace is often the key to a company's success.

Working in a diverse environment requires respectful acknowledgment of the unique geographic, economic, religious and racial backgrounds of everyone in the office. Workplace diversity is an asset and leads to increased productivity and a positive public business image. However, it is not without its challenges and there are several steps both employers and employees should take to build positive relationships and ensure that every member of the office feels safe, respected and appreciated.

Instructions

1. Learn about your colleague's background. For example, if your colleague is a practicing Muslim, do some research on the Islamic faith. Read books and articles on traditions and customs unique to Islam. Find out if there are any behaviors or actions that are considered offensive or disrespectful in the Islamic faith and take care not to do anything that might make your colleague uncomfortable.

2. Attend, or organize, a training session on workplace diversity. These workshops can help you improve communication skills, learn to become a better listener when dealing with colleagues for whom English is not their first language, and identify and acknowledge your own stereotypes.

3. Mentor a colleague who is having trouble acclimating to the workplace. Explain and decode the office jargon, offer to go over company protocol and culture, and check-in frequently to make sure they are transitioning smoothly.

Tips & Warnings

• Discrimination in workplaces is illegal, as defined by Federal and State equal opportunity legislation.

References

• "Adams Media Corporation"; Workplace Diversity: A Managers Guide To Solving Problems and Turning Diversity Into a Competitive Advantage; Katharine Etsy, et al.; 1995
• Business Training Works: Diversity Training
• Harvard Business School; Seven Ways To Better Communicate in Today's Diverse Workplace; Kim Ribbink; 2003