Diversity in the Workplace HEAD START of Greater

Diversity in the Workplace HEAD START of Greater Dallas Training Presentation

Diversity - definition Diversity is generally defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and public assistance status.

Diversity - benefits • Respecting individual differences can increase productivity • Reduce lawsuits • Encourages recruitment • Encourages creativity • Improves business and community image • Critical to organizational success

Diversity - challenges • • Recognizing the value of differences Combating discrimination Promoting inclusiveness Overcoming negative attitudes which leads to – Low morale – Low work productivity – Harmful relationships

Diversity – how to • Understand discrimination and its consequences • Recognize personal cultural biases and prejudices • Diversity is not about differences among groups, but differences among individuals. • Be willing to change organizational climate.

Diversity – results • Diverse work teams bring high value to organizations • Creates a fair and safe work environment • We can see others as they are not only as we want them to be