Embrace diversity

Creating a welcoming company culture

Maintaining a corporate culture that is inviting and welcoming to all can help your business boost innovation and avoid the common culture crisis, which often alienates employees, makes team members feel like outsiders and leads to a decrease in engagement. 

Diversity beyond the obvious

First and foremost: cultural diversity is important, yes. But what about diversity of opinion? Many people tend to forget that diversity goes beyond culture, age and gender. Many industries are lacking diversity in political views. For example, the tech industry is largely slanted in one political direction and those that have different views are often outsiders. This institutionalized behavior creates resentment that can be just as dangerous to the company culture as any other diversity issue - besides it may means you overlook some great ideas and different perspectives.

Top Down

Company culture needs to follow a top-down approach. Management should showcase diversity and put an active effort into maintaining diversity and inclusion. Making increasing diversity a part of the central vision and business goals is a vital start to ensuring the whole organisation takes the topic seriously. Like all things, diversity only comes from intention. If leaders want change, they need to be explicit. 

Be a good person

This should go without saying, but it's on everyone in the company  - management and employees alike - to be a good person that's doesn't tolerate bad behavior. Zero tolerance and quick resolutions to problems send the right message and create a culture that embraces everyone.

Educate and communicate

Educating employees why diversity is important can be an important foundation for diversity as a whole. Diversity is necessary for innovation. But does everybody at your organisation understand why? Communicate effectively with employees and educate them about the value of diversity. Make it known that you appreciate diverse applicants and want to be as inclusive as possible. 

Boost emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence helps people gain life skills and self-awareness, while promoting empathy which includes embracing differences in others. By offering EQ training you can help employees navigate a diverse landscape and become more mindful of other's needs. This is a key ingredient to any culture, but especially a welcoming and diverse one.

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 find common ground and deepen your appreciation of differences. An inclusive work place starts with you.