Diversity and inclusion is a set of strategies, policies, and missions undertaken by a firm to establish and foster an inclusive workplace that draws a varied pool of people from various cultural origins. Companies with Diversity and inclusion policies and procedures are more creative and supportive of diverse viewpoints, which attracts top talent in any field.

The term “diversity” refers to the “whole spectrum of human differences.” Gender, sexual orientations, religious views, age, ethnicity, races, geographical places, cultures, class, physical ability, etc are all examples of unique features in humans. Diversity in the workplace refers to a workforce that includes people of various genders, sexual orientations, faiths, races, ethnicity, ages, and other factors.

The Different Types of Workplace Diversity

In the workplace, there are various sorts of diversity. While some are outwardly obvious, others are far more private. Some things can be modified and controlled, while others stay the same. The following are the several sorts of diversity dimensions that can be found in any workplace:

• Internal Diversity: The multiple unique aspects that a person is born into or belongs to are referred to as internal diversities. Most of the time, a person has no control over these differences. These include elements such as race, age, ethnicity, national origin, and cultural diversity.
• External Diversity: External Diversity refers to a person’s differences or features that they do not inherit. In other words, a person can change or modify these features. External differences include: education, skills and interests, religion, geographic location, relationship status, socioeconomic status, experiences, and citizenship.
• Organizational Diversity: The various diversity factors that arise in any business or workplace are referred to as organizational diversities. The following are the different categories of organizational workplace diversity: work location, job function, department, management status, and level of seniority.
• World views: Perspective on the World The term “diversity” refers to the differences and diversity of people’s perspectives on the world. Our own experiences, historical knowledge, beliefs, political philosophies, and other factors can all influence how we see the world.

Inclusion on the other hand is “Achieving a work climate in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to the organization’s success,” according to SHRM. In the workplace, inclusion involves making every person feel valued and a part of the team. Employees who are valued, seen, heard, and respected will feel valued. As a result, you’ll notice an increase in innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement.

Ways to Improve Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

1. Educate those in positions of leadership: While your managers and leaders are trained in inclusive policies, your lower-level employees will feel included when engaging with each other and their superiors.
2. Organize a council of dedicated individuals who are committed to the company’s diversity can be an excellent first step.
3. Pay special attention to hiring a diverse range of people.
4. Replace Culture Fit vs. Culture Add: A Culture Fit strategy prioritizes familiarity. It pushes people to do more of what they’re already doing well. A Culture Add method, on the other hand, concentrates on bringing in fresh voices and skills that will have a beneficial impact on the business culture.
5. Encourage and enable creativity and innovation by connecting and communicating Diversity and Inclusion training
6. Diverse and Inclusion Initiatives should be monitored

Workplace Benefits of Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

1. More employee engagement leads to increased innovation
2. Increased Profits and Revenues
3. Improved Decision-Making Increased
4. Employee Retention
5. Improved Company Reputation