‘Designing Strategies’ newsletter
November – December 2007 Volume 4 Issue 19
Where does your organization stand on diversity in the workplace? Not long ago, all a small business owner or leader had to be concerned with was the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects workers based on race, gender and religion. Then, the Americans with Disabilities Act addressed making more of the workplace accessible to those with disabilities. Today, Congress is considering discriminatory practices in the workplace against groups like gays, lesbians and transsexuals and followers of various religions.
How do your company policies and culture stack up in terms of providing for diversity? The days of hiring a few women and minorities to comply with the law are no longer enough. Diversity and how you handle it play an important role in your organization’s ability to attract and retain talented workers. How diverse is your work force? Does your corporate culture allow for inclusiveness at all levels? Do you have mentors and coaches in place? Is fairness an important part of advancement opportunities? Does the company provide parity in its compensation and benefits packages?
How can your company become a more diverse and attractive organization for employees? One major advantage to supporting diversity is your ability to draw in highly qualified and talented staff to help move your organization forward. The talent pool continues to get smaller and tighter. Make diversity a magnet to attract quality candidates.
Who is in charge of workplace diversity in your company?
Every small business needs an individual or team to focus on diversity in the workforce. If you have not yet created this position, now is the time to assign a key staff member to address diversity. Their assignment: look at what is being done now and what else can be done to make your firm truly diverse. Base your approach on diversity, fairness and inclusion of all workers at all levels on an equal basis. Too many organizations fail to take diversity issues seriously until they find themselves embroiled in a discrimination lawsuit. Not only are gender and race key considerations, but age, cultural and ethnicity issues, and sexual orientation factor in as well. Diversity has become…well… more diverse.
The younger, Millennial generation coming into the workforce is by far the most attuned to and tolerant of diversity issues. They not only expect to find a place of employment that supports 
their views and values, but will demand it and fight for it. Millennials largely believe that women and minorities should have the same advantages and compensation as Caucasian males have enjoyed for decades. They are far more accepting and sensitized to others’ racial, ethnic, religious, gender and sexual differences.
A diverse workforce provides multiple, unique perspectives. Diverse points of view can positively affect innovation and decision making, building the strength of the company from within. In spite of the fact that approximately 50% of the population that makes up the customer base is women, it is surprising how few otherwise intelligent corporations have yet to add a woman to their Board of Directors, or provide women access to executive leadership positions. Likewise, vacuums exist for other population segments of African- and Asian- Americans, Hispanics, other cultures, and homosexuals.
Diversity in the workplace can be a magnet for top candidates.
Diversity in the workplace attracts talented candidates to join your workforce. Additionally, a strong diversity outlook can reduce attrition costs. Embracing diversity can provide a competitive advantage, poising your organization to attract new markets and customer bases. Join cutting edge leaders in your industry in developing products and services based on unexplored perspectives provided by diverse viewpoints. Make diversity a key segment of your company’s strategies and culture. These changes can provide you entry into lucrative new markets, or new ways to use your products.
As we roll downhill quickly toward the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support you have given Maurer Consulting this year. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet many of you around the country as I traveled in 2007 and for your valuable feedback.
Whatever holiday you and your family celebrate, be sure to take time to let your employees and your customers know how important they are to the continued success of your business. Without our customers and their loyalty, we would simply drop off the business radar scope. Without our employees and their dedication, hard work and innovations, the ability to achieve our missions and goals would be curtailed. Let them know you understand the valuable role they play in the growth and success of your organization.
