7 Tips for Creating a More Diverse and Productive Workplace
Kenneth Johnson • April 10, 2021
Guest post provided by Raymond Chiu of Maid Sailors
about half of them are classified as non-caucasian.
This means that what we used to label as "minority," will no longer be within the next decade
But as early as now, we can see diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is taking the HR world
by storm. It is not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it also comes with
entrepreneurial benefits.
That said, we have listed eight tips to help you create a diverse and productive workplace.
enable your business to operate 24/7 without incurring that much cost.
For instance, you have employees who work 9-5 in Pacific Standard Time (PST). What
If you do not have a flexible work setup, your business is likely asleep after 5:00 PM. You are
not providing products and services, and you are not earning.
On the other hand, you may have employed people living in Singapore. This will enable you to
operate beyond the usual 9-5.
The best part? You do not have to increase your overhead and operation cost, as your
Singaporean employees are likely working from home.
Create Learning and Development Programs
Employing non-Caucasians and people with disabilities is one thing. But letting everyone
open about cultural differences and inclusion is another.
This is where learning and development programs could come in handy. As an employer,
●Promote professional development opportunities
by contributing to employees'
proceeding education. The more your employees know the more comfortable and
●Unite employees to outside resource groups, like people with special needs or BIPOC.
●Make sure your leadership team shows diversity as well by hiring and promoting
diverse applicants into those roles.
Regardless, it's always essential to establish a great example from the top down. Employees
take notice when the C-suite is involved in company diversity programs and initiatives.
Create Safe Spaces for Employees
According to the Department of Economics at the University of Warwick,
unhappy employees
Thus, it is imperative to make your business a safe and happy place for PWDs and BIPOCs
From a leadership standpoint, here's what you can do:
innovativewhen there are diverse leaders. That's because they have a representation
2.Recognize bias.
Develop a leadership program wherein leaders can unlearn their
prejudice. That way, they can recognize potential and allow a diversified leadership.
3.Practice inclusive leadership
. As a leader, you should create a team where all
employees can speak up and be heard.
4.Hole leaders accountable
. DEI is more than just a checkbox you should tick off. It
should be a core value of your business.
Recognize and Celebrate Differences
This can be as simple as celebrating International Women's Month and participating in Pride
marches. But more than that, celebrating differences is about honoring and commemorating cultural
holidays. Some excellent examples are St. Patrick's Day, Eid-al Fitr, and Lent.
Make communication lines open in the workplace. This is regardless of generation, race, and
role. This can be possible by taking advantage of technology.
Using instant messaging apps like Slack eliminates the traditional hierarchical structure.
That's because the app allows every employee to address the entire company or send a
private message to a supervisor. As such, the company is compelled to allow different people to speak up and be heard.
Strengthen Anti-Discriminatory Policies
Diverse companies should also put anti-discriminatory policies in place.
The basic tenets of anti-discrimination policies are that no employees are denied their rights.
This includes equal pay and employment opportunities. It also ensures that no one is treated
differently just because they look or talk differently.
And more of them are in jobs with less opportunity for advancement.
Although there are cases that you need to treat people differently, it's because some need
support to achieve equality. And it's not to erode them of opportunities.
Create a Comfortable Work Environment
Regardless of age, sexual orientation, and race, every employee deserves a comfortable
That said, we recommend that you start with providing a clean and comfortable office. At Maid
because there is nothing to distract them from work.
Moreover, an office's pristine condition prevents the spread of disease-causing bacteria. Thus,
it helps decrease absenteeism in the workplace. When your employees are working at 100%
capacity, the faster you can achieve your business goals.
Producing a more diverse workplace is a company-wide endeavor. So make sure that your
managers, human resources specialists, and general employees are all on board.
And as mentioned earlier, diversity in the workplace is more than just a checkbox that you
should tick. It is an enormous and continuous undertaking. Hence, you should tread with an
open mind and leave room for growth.
Taking the first step will always be the most cumbersome. But the effort of ensuring that your
business is DEI-compliant can be rewarding.
That's because a diverse workplace is a productive workplace.
