Diversity in the Workplace “Diversity Beyond the Color: Do You Really Know Me?” Presenter Dr. Arthur Holmes Chief Officer of Human Resources and Administrative Services Jasper County School District Ridgeland, South Carolina

American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) 77 th Annual Conference Baltimore, Maryland Thursday, October 15, 2015

What is Diversity??? Variety; the positive result of people in different racial, ethic, religion, and cultural backgrounds working together. “The term DIVERSITY refers to the many factors that make people different. Diversity involves respecting people’s differences. When diversity is supported, everyone is allowed to maintain his/her individuality. People are not forced to change how they live, speak, look, or think so as to be more like the majority.”

Do You Know Me….. Can You Understand What I Am Saying Activity

Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage determines what beliefs, learned behaviors and language pass through the generations to each individual. – 5 Largest Racial/Ethnic Groups in the US: Native Americans European Americans Asian Americans African Americans Hispanic Americans

Language Language diversity often causes employees, employers and customers to misunderstand one another. Different languages in the workplace are a growing issue.

Religion Religions often cause conflict due to “off- time” issues related to specific religious events of a particular religion.

Gender More women (55%) work than in any other time period in American history.

Age The number of working older Americans is increasing rapidly (55% increase since 1975). While older workers can bring valuable insight, experience and dependable work habits to the workplace, if they don’t update their skills, they will have difficulty holding/seeking employment.

Disability Eight percent of the population is affected by a disability. More disabled workers than ever are providing valuable services to employers/businesses due to changing attitudes and federal law.

Benefits of Diversity There are fewer lawsuits Morale is high. Creativity increases. Productivity increases. Quality workers are attracted to the organization The decision-making process improves. Decision-making speed improves. More customers are reached. Goodwill and positive ties are formed with businesses and government groups.

Promoting Diversity in the Workplace Show flexibility. Examine your assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes. Explore different cultures. Show patience in communicating and understanding. Admit unfamiliarity of diverse customs along with a willingness to learn more about them. Show respect for ideas different from your own. Avoid stereotypical jokes/humor. See the humanity in every person.

The Law and Discrimination The Fair Labor Standards Act – Ensures fair treatment of employees by employers The Equal Pay Act of 1963 – Forbids separate pay scales for women and men The Civil Rights Act-Banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin The Age Discrimination in Employment Act –Banned discrimination against workers over 40 years of age The Immigration and Reform Act-Banned discrimination against legal immigrants The Americans with Disabilities Act-Requires employers to provide employees with reasonable accommodations in the workplace environment; Prevents discrimination on the basis of disability

Organizations The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) The purpose of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is to enforce, for the benefit of job seekers and wage earners, the contractual promise of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity required of those who do business with the Federal government.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered. The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

Types of Discrimination Gender Racial Color National Origin Language Religious Disabilities Age Height and Weight Sexual Orientation Sexual Harassment

Review Questions Answer the next few questions based on what you have learned from the Diversity in the Workplace PowerPoint Presentation. Click Here!!!

Question 1 The positive result of people in different racial, ethic, and cultural backgrounds working together is” Discrimination Diversity Cultural Heritage Stereotype

Question 2 Which of the following is not considered one of the 5 largest Racial/Ethnic Groups in the U.S. Native Americans African Americans European Americans European Americans Italian Americans

Question 3 The number of working older Americans is increasing rapidly (____ increase since 1975). 45% 15% 55% 25%

Question 4 _______ percent of the population is affected by a disability. Eight Four Ten Twenty

Question 5 Which of the following is not a form of discrimination? Language Diversity Weight Age

The End!!!

Contact Information Arthur Holmes Human Resources and Leadership Consultant P. O. Box Charleston, South Carolina