Diversity In The Workplace

Merriam-Webster defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements; especially the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization” (Merriam-Webster, 2016). With diversity including many different elements, the concept of workplace diversity also covers a broad spectrum of topics, and continues to evolve as many companies look to expand globally. This subject has become increasingly important among managers over the last couple of decades, and has helped to reinforce other concepts such as affirmative action and equal opportunity employment. While most people believe that everyone should have the same opportunities available to them, and that we

There have been many different laws passed that have helped to develop the diverse workplace into what it is today. Also over the years, there have been several organizations formed to help support women and minorities in the workforce. They helped to try and keep the workplace diverse and fair for all. Before the 1930s men accounted for almost all of the workforce. Women slowly began to get jobs, mostly as clerks, and the workforce predominantly consisting of males, began to see many more women. In 1920 the Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor was created. The goals of this bureau was to reduce barriers that inhibit or prevent women’s access to – and retention in – better jobs, and to ensure women’s fair treatment in the workplace (Overview of the Women 's Bureau, n.d.). Another women’s organization that was founded in the early 18th century was the National Council of Negro Women. This organization founded by Mary McLeod Bethune and twenty-nine representatives from fourteen black women’s organizations, mainly concentrated on social programs to combat racial oppression (Henry,

Having diversity in the workplace allows for greater growth within a company due to the different opinions and perspectives of people from all walks of life. To remain competitive, many companies are being advised to recruit, develop and retain men and women of all different backgrounds, ages and races (Cox and Blake, 1991). By doing this and also accommodating the needs of their demographically diverse workforce, companies will become much more appealing places to work therefore reducing turnover and absentee