1. Diversity: Changing workplaces in New Zealand

2. Definition of diversity
“… means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognising our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.”

3. Dimensions of diversity wheel
Religion
Geographic
Location
Military
Experience
Education
Communication
Style
Work
Family
Status
Organisation Role And Level
Income
First
Language
Age
Gender
Sexual
Orientation
Ethnic
Heritage
Race
Mental/Physical
Abilities and
Characteristic
Primary Dimension
Secondary Dimension
1996. Implementing Diversity by Marilyn Loden. Mc-Graw Hill Publishing, Burr Ridge, IL

4. Business Benefits Wider talent pool Increased productivity
Workforce that reflects diverse markets
Cross functional teams
Enhanced reputation as preferred place to work
Lower absenteeism, sick leave, and turnover costs

5. Business challenges Communication Resistance to change
Implementation of diversity in the workplace policies
Successful management of diversity in the workplace

6. Changing workplaces Some influencing factors include: Four generations
Age
Changing family structures
Disability
Growing ethnic and cultural diversity
Current labour market conditions

7. Auckland demographics
Community for Auckland. The Case for Auckland. (2006)

8. What do these changes mean to your workplace?
Beca

9. Key strategy considerations:
Clearly linked to business objectives
Accountability
Measurement
Organisational culture
Proactive approach
Champions

10. What can be done? Benchmarking data
Diversity is a process not a target
Business case
Commitment
Consultation

11. What some companies are doing
Setting up diversity groups/councils and networking groups
Appointing heads of diversity
Having diversity audits and workshops
Increasing paid parental leave, measuring and monitoring return to work rates
Holding cultural awareness days, offering prayer rooms, introducing cultural awareness training
Auditing facilities for those with disabilities eg live remote captioning for hearing-impaired workers
International staff festivals, art, music competitions

12. Something to ponder…..
“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together” Malcolm F Forbes

13. How can the EEO Trust help?
Diversity practitioners’ forums
Presentations
Newsletters,publications, toolkits
Library and information requests
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