Dictionary.com defines diversity as “the coming together of races, sexes, nationalities and cultural backgrounds to form an organization, group or community.” A diverse community not only includes an array of individuals from different backgrounds but values and celebrates these important differences.
Diversity, not only in a community, but also in a workplace, can offer a wide variety of opinions, ideas, attitudes and skill-sets that combine for greater long-term success.
According to an article from Ethnoconnect, the United States Office of Employment estimates that twenty-nine percent of people entering the U.S. workforce each year consists of women and minorities. The article also suggests that businesses become stronger by integrating workers from different cultural backgrounds.
As someone who has had roughly six jobs within the last six years, I couldn’t agree with this more. During college, I have been a fast food worker, grocery store cashier, waitress, nanny, writer and most recently, DJ for WMSV, the MSU radio station.
The jobs I have worked that solely consisted of young, attractive white female workers and white male managers have not only been part of failing companies but have been unable to keep their workers—myself included.
Conversely, workplaces with variety and diversity have provided some of my favorite jobs. As a waitress, I am in a traditional female restaurant-role. However, I am working not only with male waiters, but with waiters and waitresses of color. My co-workers come in all shapes, sizes and colors, which I think has led to a better sense of equality and respect within my workplace.
As a radio DJ, I work with mostly males but am still surrounded by DJs, both black and white and newscasters and public relations specialists of different races and sexes. At WMSV, I have learned that diverse workers generate content that is relatable to a diverse—and thus larger—radio audience.
A recent article from Teen Ink stated that when workplaces lack diversity, this is a clue of distrust and stereotyping of different races and sexes on the part of the employer. If these issues are not evaluated and discussed amongst the employers, friction within the workplace increases between majority and minority workers.
The article also stated that diversity leads to a more realistic and encouraging workplace setting. It also allows those of differing backgrounds to step out of their boundaries and potentially learn new things about cultures with which they may not be as personally familiar.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to incorporate diversity in the workplace, especially in the U.S. In the South, the word itself can lead to anxiety and conflict in biased employers. However, as someone who has had work experience in both diverse and not-so-diverse businesses, I strongly suggest that businesses shed their biases and begin to incorporate diversity.
Study after study has shown that diversity within the workplace leads to an increase in creativity, positive attitudes amongst employees, better skillsets and increases in revenue. Our generation is by far the most diverse in all of history, and I think it is time those who employ us embrace it.
