Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: Challenges and Benefits
Introduction
Canada has prides itself in immigration, which is one of the biggest sources of its population growth. In order to sustain the growth it is a key that we foster an environment that is comfortable for all. We see the effect of this diversity mostly within our workforce. This has then caused a unique environment within the workforce that seeks and demands a climate that encompasses all the differences.
Diversity can take many forms namely age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, mental and physical capabilities and ethnicity and culture are the main areas of diversity and have a continuous impact throughout our lives. Due to increasing difference in Canadian population and competition coming from nearly every continent, companies and organizations need to focus on diversity, because this will help them also better to understand their diverse customers. “Managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can improve workplace productivity”.
Working with people within the 21st century then requires a lot of sensitivity and respect for diversity. In order for this to be achieved, it is imperative that both the staff and supervisors recognize, learn and promote diversity in the workplace to all employees. Interacting with people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs requires effective management within the diverse workforce populations.
Diversity can aid in bringing awareness of different cultures, races and age difference into a mix, but can have negative effects if people are not well prepared in how to work in that environment. In view of this, this paper will conduct a research on the importance of diversity in the workplace. This paper will identify the importance of diversity in the workplace and address benefits and challenges of managing diversity.
Define Diversity
“Diversity is generally defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among
Canada has prides itself in immigration, which is one of the biggest sources of its population growth. In order to sustain the growth it is a key that we foster an environment that is comfortable for all. We see the effect of this diversity mostly within our workforce. This has then caused a unique environment within the workforce that seeks and demands a climate that encompasses all the differences.
Diversity can take many forms namely age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, mental and physical capabilities and ethnicity and culture are the main areas of diversity and have a continuous impact throughout our lives. Due to increasing difference in Canadian population and competition coming from nearly every continent, companies and organizations need to focus on diversity, because this will help them also better to understand their diverse customers. “Managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can improve workplace productivity”.
Working with people within the 21st century then requires a lot of sensitivity and respect for diversity. In order for this to be achieved, it is imperative that both the staff and supervisors recognize, learn and promote diversity in the workplace to all employees. Interacting with people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs requires effective management within the diverse workforce populations.
Diversity can aid in bringing awareness of different cultures, races and age difference into a mix, but can have negative effects if people are not well prepared in how to work in that environment. In view of this, this paper will conduct a research on the importance of diversity in the workplace. This paper will identify the importance of diversity in the workplace and address benefits and challenges of managing diversity.
Define Diversity
“Diversity is generally defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among
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