1. The Importance of Diversity in the Work Environment
Belmira, Jolie, & Zander

2. What is Meant by Diversity?
Diversity means having a variety of different things, a mixture, or range
Example: “Newspapers were obliged to allow a diversity of views to be printed.”

3. Why is Diversity Important in the Workplace?
Mutual respect: Diveristy fosters mutual respect amoung employees
Conflict Resolution: Conflict inevitably occurs in the workplace. Employees who acknowledge other’s differences often find similarities particularly when there’s common goals.

4. Why is Diversity Important in the Workplace? (cont.)
Business Reputation: Diversity in the workplace is important for employees because it manifests itself in building a great reputation for the company
Increased Exposure: A diverse workplace offers more than exposure to employees from different cultures & backgrounds

5. How Can a Business Ensure That There is Diversity in the Workplace?
Set standards based on merit, not quotas.
Create hiring policies that ensure equal treatment for everyone
Have benefits that appeal to a variety of people

6. How May Diversity Challenges Be Met
Communication is a big part. If employees don’t understand the company policies, it can lead to issues in the workplace
Have different diversity policies to make your business appealing to a range of genders, races, ethnicities, etc

7. How May Diversity Challenges Be Met
Examples of Diversity Policies:
Flexible work hours
On-site child care
Time off for religious holidays
Increase office accessible to a range of disabilities
Others?

8. Moving to a Diverse Workforce Helps the Community
Day care centers allow parents to have access to young children.
Accessibility/Accommodation policies allow everyone in a community to be productive
Policies that promote religious freedom and ethnic expression promotes tolerance
Others?