5 Strategies for Promoting Diversity in the Workplace

Promoting inclusiveness and diversity within your workplace is one of the best ways to foster an open-minded, global company culture. Not only does this make good business sense—helping your company to better understand colleagues, clients, and customers around the world—it also makes the workplace a more interesting and personally enriching environment for everyone.

Whether you’re working at a small start-up or are part of a large multinational corporation, the benefits of diversity in the workplace are equally compelling in today’s globalized business environment. And diversity can take many forms, from culture and nationality to gender, race, sexuality, educational background, and more. Whatever your current role, here are five strategies you can implement straight away to promote diversity in your workplace.

  1. Commit to boosting your own cultural competency

Cross-cultural communication is an invaluable workplace skill. Today, more than ever, you’re likely to interact professionally with people from different cultural backgrounds to your own. Whether they’re a team member, your manager, or a customer, developing a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives can help to improve communication and avoid misunderstandings.

  1. Actively seek out new perspectives and ideas

Tackling a tough problem on the job? Ask for help and be open to new perspectives. People from different cultures and backgrounds may take a different approach to business issues. You’ll find that your colleagues can offer valuable insight gained through a wealth of diverse life experiences. Looking at something in a new way may reveal a solution you would never have considered on your own.

  1. Creating a workplace where different perspectives are valued and embraced

This type of workplace culture can go a long way to foster productive business relationships. Whether you’re in a junior role, a manager, or a director, actively seeking advice, ideas, and expertise from your colleagues will improve communication and foster a more inclusive company culture. This inclusive culture will, in turn, help your company to retain diverse talent and make your workplace an attractive option for globally minded job seekers.

  1. Observe diverse traditions, celebrations, and holidays from other cultures

Diversity and inclusion activities can take many forms, but one of the easiest and most fun can be creating a culturally diverse holiday calendar. Encourage your colleagues to get involved and find appropriate ways to celebrate different traditions.

From Eid to Oktoberfest, sharing food, music, and celebrations from around the world can be wonderful for team-building and a great way for colleagues at different levels of the organization to connect. However, when larger organized celebrations aren’t practical, make a point to personally acknowledge a significant religious or cultural holiday. Well-wishes via email or over a coffee can be a small gesture that means a lot to a colleague, especially if they are far from home.

  1. Contribute to the cultural diversity of your own workplace

Remember, diversity can take many forms. Don’t underestimate the cultural value you can add to your workplace. Whatever your background, your unique perspective, culture, and experiences can enrich the professional experience of those around you.

Set an example for others to follow by positively contributing to your company culture. Something as small as sharing a traditional treat from home can be a wonderful way to spark a conversation and inspire others to share too.

The best way to promote diversity in your workplace is by embracing it and working to build an understanding. Getting to know your colleagues on a personal level, regardless of their culture and background, will help you to find common ground, deepen your appreciation of differences, and promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment.