What is diversity in the workplace? Examples and definition

Copied to clipboard

As talks of diversity grow, employers are beginning to value a wide mix of employees. But what does DEI mean? Why does it matter?

Diversity in the workplace isn’t a hiring trend. Business leaders see that equality and diversity benefit the company and its employees in the long term. Employing people with diverse backgrounds is key to business success.

Our latest recruitment stats show that almost 90% of graduates prefer to work for a company that values inclusion. What is your company doing to support them?

In this article, we will answer all your questions about DEI. We explain the difference between equality and equity, and how DEI can give your business a competitive edge in hiring graduates.

Contact us today to build your diverse workforce. We can help you find thousands of top candidates and tell you more about our recruitment services.

We dedicate ourselves to offering equal opportunities for everyone. Also, we have been gathering info from applicants in our database to help us understand our current diversity better.

Look at our D&I 2024 report and see how we stack up as an equal-opportunity employer.

Take a look at our D&I 2024 report and see how we stack up as an equal opportunity employer

Diversity in the workplace definition & explanation

Diversity in the workplace means hiring individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, language, education, and more.

In recent years, workplace diversity has aimed to boost the participation, performance, and pay of minorities. It’s not enough to only hire them to ‘tick a box’.

A University of Michigan study found that ‘diversity hires’ were sometimes seen as less qualified. Employers now understand that only hiring a diverse range of people isn’t enough. We need to extend our support beyond the hire.

It is vital to value a diverse workforce for long-term growth. But, we must also empathise with and support these employees.

Workplace diversity summary video

 

DEI: what is the difference between diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion?

You may have noticed a shift in corporate culture from D&I to DEI. What does DEI stand for? How does it differ from D&I? Here’s a simple breakdown:

 

What is diversity in the workplace?

Diversity means having a wide range of different backgrounds and traits in your team. This includes gender, race, age, and sexual orientation, among others. A diverse workplace values these differences, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas.

 

What is equality in the workplace?

Equality in the workplace gives everyone equal opportunities to succeed. This means no discrimination or different treatment based on their personal traits.

 

What is equity in the workplace?

It’s important to recognise the difference between equality vs equity. Equity means giving each person the support they need to overcome their unique challenges.

Equity creates fairness by addressing different needs. Treating everyone the same doesn’t always lead to fair outcomes. Some employees may need more tailored support to succeed.

 

What is inclusion in the workplace?

Inclusion is about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. It ensures that multicultural employees are not ‘diversity hires’. They must be included and receive equal opportunities to contribute and grow.

 

What is the difference between DEI and D&I?

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) aim to build a varied workforce and ensure everyone feels included.

Yet, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) also address fairness. They provide the unique support each employee needs to succeed.

Understanding the difference between D&I and DEI helps create a better strategy. It should foster not only diversity, but also a supportive work environment. This will help employees in the long run.

What is the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in the workplace?

Understanding and valuing cultural diversity results in a healthier and more collaborative workplace. Employees should be curious and accept other cultures. This is the first step to appreciating a peer’s background and finding mutual respect.

A recent article by Tomedes offers an example of the benefits of linguistic and cultural diversity. As a global language solutions agency, their values are rooted in inclusion. They say that fostering diversity can boost a growing company. DEI has led to stronger communication and higher productivity because their employees feel a sense of belonging.

Workplace diversity and inclusion are essential not only for the well-being of employees but also for the success of the business. A diverse workforce helps to cultivate innovation, improve problem-solving, and enhance team collaboration.

Our latest survey on recruitment trends found that 30% of graduate jobseekers feel overlooked for roles due to discrimination and unconscious bias.

This shows the impact of DEI on the workplace and the application process. It’s essential that businesses seriously consider how they approach workplace diversity.

Below are the advantages of diversity in the workplace for both employees and employers.

How to include diversity training in your team

Diversity training helps people understand and appreciate their coworkers’ different cultures, backgrounds, and ideas. 

Offering diversity training helps reduce misunderstandings and conflicts, while also improving teamwork. It shows everyone that being different is something to celebrate and helps create a more welcoming environment for all.

Types of diversity training

There are several ways to provide diversity training:

  • Awareness training: Helps people understand their own biases and how to overcome them.
  • Mobile learning: Perfect for remote teams, it allows people to learn online in their own time.
  • Games and quizzes: Makes learning about diversity fun and interactive.
  • Short sessions: Breaks the training into smaller lessons that are easier to follow.

What are the benefits of diversity in the workplace for employees?

Conflict reduction

An inclusive workplace helps employees understand each other’s perspectives and backgrounds.

This awareness often helps reduce conflicts. Team members are more likely to focus on common goals instead of letting differences divide them.

Increased confidence

When employees see that their differences are embraced, they gain more confidence in their unique qualities.

Encouraging diversity boosts individuals’ confidence and performance. They become more comfortable sharing ideas, building relationships, and taking pride in their work.

Boosting employee engagement

Employees perform best in a workplace that values diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and inclusion benefit everyone, not just underrepresented groups. When all employees feel confident and valued, morale improves. This leads to higher engagement and better performance across the team.

What are the benefits of diversity in the workplace for employers?

Increased range of ideas

One of the main advantages of diversity in the workplace is the wide variety of ideas it brings. Employees from different backgrounds contribute unique perspectives, varied skills, and new experiences.

This diversity boosts creativity and innovation in all teams, from marketing to finance. This leads to better problem-solving and new solutions.

Increased employee engagement

Employees who feel included and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. This sense of belonging drives higher levels of enthusiasm and commitment.

A more engaged team performs better. So, diversity is a win-win for employers.

Boosts company reputation and simplifies recruitment processes

Diversity and inclusion boost your company’s reputation. This is vital for attracting and retaining talent.

In graduate recruitment, a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can make your company more appealing to candidates. Done right, it can also help your business stand out from larger competitors.

Access to a wider talent pool

Embracing diversity lets employers access a wider range of skills and views. For example, companies that only hire men are limiting themselves to the talents of half the population. Gender diversity, like other varied backgrounds, expands the talent pool. It offers more options for hiring the best candidates.

A better understanding of your customers

A more diverse team will help your company understand your customers better. It will reveal what they want and look for. This means you can gain new views and spot missed opportunities.

Who knows? Your company might be missing potential customers that you could find by hiring a more diverse workforce.

Reduce employee turnover

Companies with a diverse workforce tend to retain employees for longer. When employees feel accepted and valued for who they are, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

Also, companies that prioritise career development and care for employees are more likely to retain talent. Employees are more engaged and satisfied in such environments.

Benefits of diversity in the workplace statistics

Still not convinced of the importance of DEI? Here are some key statistics that indicate the value and benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

 

  • 67% of job seekers said a varied workforce is important when evaluating companies and job offers. Glassdoor
  • 83% of millennials are more engaged if their company has an inclusive culture. Deloitte
  • Gender-diverse companies in the top quartile are 15% more likely to outperform their national industry median in financial returns. Companies with high racial/ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have above-median financial returns. McKinsey
  • The most racially diverse companies generated nearly 15 times the sales of the companies with the least diversity. Science Daily
  • Of the 30% of grads who felt overlooked in interviews due to discrimination, 42% felt it was due to their ethnicity and 17% their sex/gender. Give a Grad a Go.

Diversity in the workplace examples

Companies across the board are taking steps to create a DEI strategy. Some of the best inclusion in the workplace examples are:

 

AT&T

Industry: Technology

AT&T took the prestigious top spot on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity in 2019.

The award praised CEO and Chairman Randall Stephenson’s behaviour. He is a strong advocate for D&I in corporate firms.

AT&T has been praised for its unbiased graduate recruitment and senior hiring. It allows managers to recommend candidates via their app.

They also encourage employees to discuss race, sexuality, religion, and more. This is to increase understanding among colleagues.

 

Marriott International

Industry: Hospitality

In a close second on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies, Marriott launched their Serve 360 plan. They invested $5m for women, the disabled, veterans, and refugees to learn hospitality skills.

Not every company can afford $5m. But, it shows the value of investing in professional development.

 

Accenture PLC

Industry: Professional Services

Accenture often ranks among the top companies for DEI. Thompson Reuters’ 2018 Diversity and Inclusion Index ranked them as the most diverse company. This is largely due to their gender representation. But, they have also been praised for including many different groups.

The company’s D&I training has three parts:

1) Diversity Awareness, to show the benefits of a diverse organisation.

2) Diversity Management, to help team leaders manage inclusive teams.

3) Professional Development, to help minority groups build new skills.

 

If your company has found ways to encourage workplace diversity, please share them. Contact us at [email protected].

Challenges of diversity in the workplace

As companies embrace a more diverse workforce, there are a few common concerns that may come up.

These challenges are a part of creating a more inclusive and dynamic workplace. They may feel overwhelming at times, but they are manageable with the right approach.

Here are some typical concerns employers might have about promoting equality and diversity in the workplace (we’ll explore solutions in the next section!).

  • Hiring employees from a mix of cultures and backgrounds benefits businesses. But, it can cause communication or language barriers within a team.

    These challenges can frustrate team members and potentially impact productivity.

    Embracing Business Diversity: Is Technology the Answer? 

  • Hiring employees from different countries can be tricky, especially for new businesses. This is due to things like visas and cultural requirements.

    This isn’t just a logistical challenge. When making hiring plans, you should consider the added costs of these accommodations.

  • Salary inequality between men and women has been an important topic in recent years. Unfair treatment, especially in pay, frustrates employees and raises turnover.

    The Equal Pay Act helps address this by ensuring that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.

    But it’s not just about pay. Employers must ensure equality in hiring, career growth, and promotions. Everyone, regardless of gender or background, should have equal opportunities to succeed and advance.

     

  • In teams with a wide age range, especially when hiring graduates, there may be some generational gaps.

    With millennials now the majority of the UK’s workforce, they’re shaping corporate culture. Other generations may struggle to adjust to these changes.

    As you plan your graduate recruitment strategy, consider how generational gaps might affect team dynamics.

  • In a diverse workplace, conflicts can arise from differing beliefs. These may be religious, political, or cultural.

    Unfortunately, some corporate environments can still have discrimination. So, we must promote open communication and inclusivity. This will prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone feels valued.

  • The workplace can be tough for employees with physical or mental disabilities.

    A recent study found that 12% of employers worry that disabled employees may take more time off. Also, 19% are concerned about the costs of adapting the workplace for them.

    These concerns often arise from inaccessible offices, which may lack wheelchair access or support for service animals.

  • At times, employees may feel isolated when certain groups form “cliques” based on similar backgrounds.

    This can create a sense of exclusion for those who don’t share the same traits or experiences.

  • A challenge of promoting equality and diversity at work is the time and resources needed to create an effective strategy.

    Creating and rolling out a diversity plan usually requires a lot of research, planning, and investment. This can be expensive, especially when training to bridge skills gaps.

    This can make it hard for small businesses and startups to launch an inclusive strategy.

  • Many companies face resistance to change. Some employees cling to, “this is how we’ve always done it.”

    Yet, just because someone has always done something a certain way doesn’t mean it’s still the best approach.

    It’s challenging to convince those resistant to change. But, it’s vital for advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

How to promote diversity in the workplace?

We’ve discussed some common challenges with workplace inclusivity. The good news is, that they aren’t impossible to overcome, no matter your company’s size.

Now, let’s look at some potential solutions on how to promote DEI in the workplace:

  • Start by making diversity challenges a priority. Bring them up in senior management meetings. Or, discuss them with the whole team to gather feedback. 

    Regularly assess your D&I efforts and make adjustments as needed to keep improving. This helps ensure you’re staying on track and addressing any issues as they arise.

  • A strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategy sets the foundation for success.

    We recommend you seek advice from a diverse range of people in the business on your workplace diversity and inclusion strategy. Individuals from different departments are likely to have different opinions!

  • When launching your diversity and inclusion strategy, get the whole team involved.

    Having an internal diversity and inclusion team can help. They can shape and track your goals and ensure they align with the company’s objectives.

    Also, desk swaps and cross-team projects can encourage collaboration. They can break down silos, prevent cliques, and build stronger connections

  • A mentoring scheme is a simple, low-cost DEI strategy. It can increase employee satisfaction and help retain top talent.

    They help employees feel supported, valued, and included. This ensures everyone has the chance to grow and contribute.

    Tip: Explore the benefits of mentoring in the workplace to see how it can transform your team.

  • Offer a clear, professional development structure to all employees.

    Bridge the digital skills gap between generations. Offer computer or language training for non-native English-speaking employees.

    Diversity training for managers and HR teams is also essential. It will help them to handle sensitive situations with understanding and compassion.

  • Having bilingual or multilingual employees can help navigate a multicultural workforce. 

    They help bridge cultures and address language barriers. This fosters smoother communication and collaboration between English and non-English-speaking staff.

  • Businesses have a responsibility to ensure gender equality in the workplace. This includes hiring both men and women fairly. It means paying them equally for equal work and giving everyone the same chances for promotions and career growth.

    Encouraging more women to work in tech is another example of promoting gender equality in all job sectors.

  • Support disabled employees by providing disabled access, ramps, and accessible toilets. You can also allow service dogs at work and offer well-being initiatives.

    Find out other ways to manage mental health in the workplace.

  • Holding employees accountable for embracing diversity and inclusion is essential. If someone is discriminating against others for their background, ethnicity, or religion, it’s vital to address it promptly.

    Set clear rules and enforce them consistently. If some individuals can’t accept a diverse office, make it clear that you will not tolerate this behaviour.

    Regular reminders to keep personal beliefs separate from work can help. They can reduce conflicts and ensure a respectful environment for all.

  • When planning your diversity and inclusion strategy, consider costs and time constraints from the start.

    Doing so will help your plans run smoothly and avoid unexpected expenses or delays later. Thoughtful planning keeps things on track and ensures a successful implementation.

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace webinar

Diversity and equality in the workplace are hot topics among employers, hiring managers, and recruiters.

This webinar for employers will discuss ways to ensure equal opportunities for all. It explains how to prevent discrimination in hiring and during employment.

This quick webinar includes advice from diversity advocates: Alex Ehmcke of Pink News, Luke Davis of Diversifying, Shana Gujral of ThinkLila, and Adeva Solanke.

 

 

Diversity in the workplace is a necessity for all businesses; with benefits for both employers and employees. 

Post jobs online using our jobs board and reach a diverse audience of graduates.

Looking for managed recruitment services? Please fill out the form below:

 

Get in touch

Revolutionise your hiring process.

Let us know your requirements and we’ll build a plan tailored to your needs.

 

    PhoneSchedule video call via emailEmail
    Was this post useful?