Importance of Setting an Example of Diversity in the Workplace

Office culture, at its heart, should be a place with diverse workplace teams. With greater diversity also comes better equity and inclusion. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace help to make a more welcoming and open workplace culture.

Not only does workplace diversity foster an environment of collaboration, but it also broadens a company’s viewpoints. A diverse workforce is also one that brings fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the existing office culture. 

Incorporating diversity allows a business to tap into multiple areas of employee strengths and resources.

Additional Examples of Workplace Diversity

Diversity is often used as a blanket term to denote persons of different backgrounds, cultures, demographics, and experiences. Race is only one facet of the rich tapestry that diversity encompasses. 

With that in mind, let’s explore some examples of how workplace diversity takes shape in office culture.

Gender Diversity

Gender is a prime example of diversity in the workplace. It was once thought that men were the primary breadwinners while the women stayed home and kept the house and raised the children. But in the modern world, women are forging their own career paths. 

Women bring a much-needed feminine perspective to the otherwise male-dominated workforce. Their insights and observations offer firsthand knowledge, especially when it comes to developing products and services for women themselves.

However, there is still a long way to go towards repairing the pay gap between men and women in the workforce. A Pew Research analysis from 2022 found that women earned an average of 82% of what their male counterparts made in wages.

Gender Identity

Gender identity is another important example of diversity in the workplace. A person’s gender identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond the traditional binary understanding of male and female.

The modern workplace culture may see many different types of diversity in gender identity including: 

• Non-Binary- not defined by the traditional male/female identifiers
• Genderfluid- no fixed gender
• Transgender- does not identify with their assigned gender at birth
• Agender- not relating to any specific gender 
• Gender Non-Conforming- does not conform to gender-specific societal norms

While these terms can be confusing to some, those expressing different gender identities are nothing to be afraid of. Their diverse outlook on life can be a great way for workplaces to think outside of the box. 

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation is a vital example of diversity in the workplace. The spectrum of sexual orientation is becoming more and more diverse all the time. Straight male and female (heterosexual) relationships are no longer the norm. 

While sexual orientation is not one that is easily classified because of its multifaceted nature, it often falls into these categories within the LGBTQIA+ acronym:

• Bisexual
• Lesbian
• Gay
• Transgender
• Queer/Questioning
• Intersex
• Asexual

It is crucial for workplace environments to be accepting and respectful of all people regardless of their sexual orientation. It is also important to stay updated on changes to these terms as they evolve over time.

By accepting and promoting a diverse workforce of sexual orientations, employees will feel free to express themselves and use their talents and skills without the fear of needing to hide or conform. 

Ethnicity

Ethnicity is a common example of diversity in the workplace. Ethnicity and race are sometimes confused as the same thing but they are not. Race is a social construct that was created to keep people separate based on their appearance.

Ethnicity, on the other hand, goes beyond a person’s outward appearance. An individual’s ethnicity relates to their cultural makeup. This includes elements like:

• language
• religion
• ancestry
• cultural practices
• traditions

Having employees with distinct ethnic backgrounds brings a melting-pot mindset to office culture. Ethnically diverse employees have a greater worldview. They will be able to infuse unique viewpoints into workplace teams.

It is important to think of ethnicity as more than just a box to tick off to fulfill a workplace diversity requirement. For example, a person with a diverse ethnic background would make a terrific human resource manager. 

Generational Diversity

A good workplace culture is not one where everyone is exactly the same. This includes the ages of the employees. Age is a unique example of diversity in the workplace.

A diverse workforce is one that blends multiple age groups together. Doing so means your workplace will have a mixture of different life and work experience levels, personal backgrounds, and types of knowledge. This ensures that traditional office culture adapts and evolves with time. 

Older employees can help mentor younger up-and-coming employees in the ways of the business world. At the same time, younger employees can impart their technological skills and modern societal viewpoints to older employees. 

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an often overlooked example of diversity in the workplace. Individuals with neurodiversity are those who do not operate within the confines of standard thought processes. Individuals with neurodiversity are commonly labeled as being ADHD or being on the Autism spectrum.

This, by no means, implies that they are not smart. Neurodiverse employees are very smart, but their brains function differently from their non-neurodiverse co-workers. They simply don’t think in a linear straightforward way.

This can actually be an advantage in the workplace because individuals with neurodiversity have more diverse thought processes. They are able to see things in a different way and offer up innovative solutions that were not thought of before. 

Diversity in Disability and Accessibility 

When you think of the word disability, you may think of an individual in a wheelchair or one that requires a walker or cane. This is just one example of diversity in the workplace attributed to disability.

But the truth is, many disabilities are not even outwardly visible. As much as 80% of disabilities may be attributed to areas such as:

• Mental Health
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Long COVID
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease

Employees may also experience difficulties in sensory perception, learning differences, and neurological function.

But disabled employees can thrive in a diverse workplace culture when given the necessary adaptations and accessibility tools. It demonstrates a workplace culture that is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Language Diversity

Language differences are often seen as a barrier to a productive workplace. But it is also an example of diversity in the workplace that has a great benefit as well. Navigating multiple languages means a person’s mind is more open to creativity and cognitive flexibility.

Having a multi-lingual staff can also help businesses manage international aspects. This can help grow a business and allow it to have a more worldly appeal. Companies who are looking to partner with a diverse business will see this as an asset as well. 

Religious Diversity

Religious diversity is an example of diversity in the workplace that isn’t always considered. Often, employees are forced to take on the persona of the office culture they are working in. This can stifle their ability to tap into their true skills and potential.

Employees who are permitted to practice their unique religious beliefs in the workplace without fear of persecution or harassment will be more productive. They will be of a mindset that is ready to collaborate and coexist in the workplace.

It could be as simple as setting aside a room with prayer mats for Muslim employees to have their prayer time during the workday.

Socioeconomic Diversity

A lot can be said for the simple act of hiring employees from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds as well. This example of diversity in the workplace lets companies put themselves into the shoes of their employees. In doing so they can see the perspective of employees who come from backgrounds of struggle and hardship.

Those employees who came from humbler backgrounds understand what it’s like to not have as much versus those who were privileged. Because of this, they can offer unique perspectives on various issues and challenges relating to workplace culture. They are also able to speak to the needs and concerns of the average consumer. 

Pursue Your Master’s in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at NDNU

No matter what example of diversity in the workplace you choose, diversity is a vital part of any good workplace culture. Diversity allows for worldly perspectives and multicultural office culture. 

Notre Dame de Namur University is a WSCUC accredited private Catholic institution located in Belmont, CA. Explore our new 100% online Master of Arts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Program. We also have graduate programs in Business, Education, and Psychology.

If you’re interested in learning more about an MA DEIL from NDNU, then speak to our team to request information today.