Managing Diversity

Human resources managers oversee diversity. They seek ways to make the company inclusive by hiring people of different characteristics, backgrounds, and ethnicities. This diversity leads to a more realistic world view, which can lead to a competitive advantage. Employee diversity is an asset in dealing with clients and customers of various cultures. Diversity management programstry to draw on the strength of a company’s melting pot. 

Laws Against Discrimination Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person or group, usually because of prejudiced attitudes about race, ethnicity, age, religion, or gender. Many laws have been passed to prevent discrimination. For example, in the past, workers over the age of 40 were often fi red or denied jobs in favor of younger workers. This form of discrimination is called ageism. To protect older workers, the U.S. government passed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. It prohibits discrimination against workers because of their age.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act was passed to strengthen laws that protect workers from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Workers with specifi c needs often could not work because buildings lacked proper access or equipment. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. ADA prohibits discrimination against qualifi ed people who have disabilities. Employers must make a reasonable accommodation for a qualifi ed person with a disability. Examples of reasonable accommodation include adjusting buildings so that people in wheelchairs can move around them.

Diversity Programs Most codes of ethics have rules against discrimination. These codes, however, are not always enough to prevent personnel problems. Some employees still have trouble working with people who are different from them. Companies offer diversity training programs to promote tolerance among workers. Diversity training breaks down stereotypes. Managers must avoid stereotyping. They must create a work environment in which prejudice is not tolerated and diversity is welcomed and respected. They must promote a corporate culture that values diversity.

Benefi ts of Diversity Businesses that promote diversity in the workplace have discovered many benefi ts:

• • A diverse workforce offers a broader range of ideas and points of view.
• • Greater diversity in the workplace helps a company better understand and serve diverse markets.
• • Diversity improves morale among employees and strengthens their commitment to company goals.
• • Companies that value diversity have increased productivity and effi ciency, lower turnover rates, less absenteeism, and fewer legal costs from employee complaints. Diversity training also helps reduce confl icts among workers.