When most people think of a diversified workforce, they think of one that is made up of women and men, as well as people from varying ethnic and racial backgrounds. While this definition is correct, diversified workforces are becoming more complex and companies that find ways to embrace the changes may improve their businesses.
Race Less Of A Factor
Diversified workforces have long been thought of mainly as those that include a mixture of races. The most common races that make up the workforce have been white and black. However, the explosion of the Hispanic population has contributed to more diversification. The influx of Asian workers has also impacted the workforce. Most of the net increase in the labor force has consisted of women, blacks, Asians and other minority groups. For example, between 2002 and 2012, the labor force growth rate for Asians is projected to be 51 percent compared with about 3 percent for whites, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While race may continue to be a dominant factor in diversification, other factors are coming into play. For example, people who had been excluded from workplaces because of their socioeconomic background are now a growing part of the workforce. This group includes people who had been on welfare and are entering or reentering the workforce. They bring experience to the workplace that may be atypical because it largely stems from life experiences. Diversity World, which offers consulting and training services, notes that the labor pool has changed dramatically over the past decade. White males no longer dominate the workforce. Instead, it is increasingly growing in the number of people from a vast array of backgrounds and life experiences.
Companies that seek diversification must ensure that their employees accept it. Often people are distrustful and leery of things they do not understand. This applies to encountering and working with people with backgrounds different from theirs. Employers must communicate the importance of a diversified workforce to their employees to prevent discriminatory behavior.
Understanding the Definition Of A Diversified Workforce
Employers who understand the definition of a diversified workforce are more likely to succeed in their business efforts. This is partly due to their being willing to tap into a pool of workers whose ideas may be as valuable as their existing workforce. Workplaces are becoming increasingly globally oriented, so employers know that it serves them well to harness the diverse perspectives of the working population. Innovation works best in environments where multiple perspectives are valued and considered, so understanding the differences in cultures, and the beliefs associated with these is integral to harnessing the creativity that comes from multiple perspectives.
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