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Diversity is no longer just an opinion; it is a Canadian Value as stated by 92.0% of Canadians who are aged 15 and older according to the 2020 General Social Survey results. As shown by the statistics, the importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in the workplace continues to increase as more and Canadians believes that one of Canada’s strongest strengths is its ethnocultural and religious diversity. In 2021 more then 450 cultural and ethnic origins were reported within Canada and increasingly vocal voices speak out regarding the need for workplaces to be inclusive and diverse within Canada rather than sticking with anarchic ideals and beliefs within a workplace’s environment. But what is Diversity and its importance aside from being a buzzword used on social media as an appeal grab?
True Diversity is commonly related to Inclusivity. Being diverse means that the group or workforce is accepting individuals regardless of their diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, age, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, and more. To be diverse is to accept anyone but also to be inclusive in that you will accept anyone, even those who are white and male rather than aiming to check off a list for the sake of being ‘diverse’ and to treat all your employees equally and fairly.
A company that is just diverse, does not mean that its culture is inclusive to its ‘diverse’ hires nor that it treats their employees equally. A company that aims to be inclusive must not hesitate to hire any employee that fits their position’s standards regardless of how they may differ from the other employee as a company or organization that is truly inclusive creates an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to actively participate and contribute their unique perspectives and talents while maintaining their loyalty within the workplace. A company that is truly diverse however refers to the presence of individuals from different and experiences within a particular group or organization. The variety would encompass a wide range of characteristics and perspectives that contribute to a rich and varied environment with many unique perspectives to help solve different situations. Together, diversity and inclusion promote innovation, creativity, and productivity by harnessing the power of different voices and ideas.
The first reason for doing so is the statistics in Canada. In 2021 there were more then 450 different ethnics reported within Canada’s census with only 5.7 million reporting a Canadian origin in Canada, which was around 15.6% of the total population of Canada at the time. Some of the other notable numbers are shown down below.
Canada’s ethnic diversity cannot be denied, and it is one of its strengths. An organization choosing to be exclusive and focusing one portion of the population is cutting itself off from access to millions of potential workers. There have been numerous studies conducted that have shown that racially diverse companies and companies with stronger women representation are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts. A company that is supportive of a diverse work force allows for a multitude of fresh ideas and innovative solutions that comes from having employees with different experiences and perspective.
Companies and organizations that embrace diversity while remaining inclusive can attract and retain top talent from diverse communities, resulting in a loyal empowered workforce that is reflective of the diverse world that is the modern age. Treating all your employees with equity and inclusivity ensures that they valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives thus keeping their engagement up and drives their innovation and success in the ever-increasing competitive global market. Furthermore, employees are more likely to stay at and recommend diverse companies and their engagement and productivity on average is better than those of their counterparts. Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it also leads to better outcomes and a more harmonious society.
Human diversity comes in many different factors. There are a few categories in which separate people from what is considered ‘normal’
These are what can be the difference between people and what are the basis of discrimination. From looking down on those who are crippled as unable to work, to discriminating against one's gender and sexuality, there have been many reasons why places discriminate against those that do not fit within a strict criterion. An example of this is the bias towards white males and to give opportunities to those rather than say, a black woman who is equally or even more skilled.
Discrimination in the workplace continues to be a prevalent issue that affects individuals across various industries and professions. Many employees still face unfair treatment based on their gender, race, age, disability, or other characteristics such as how black people struggle in the workforce compared to their white counterparts. This persistent problem persists for several reasons from how deeply rooted societal biases and stereotypes can seep into the workplace to how power dynamics within organizations can perpetuate discriminatory practices, with those in positions of authority exerting their influence to favor certain individuals or groups. Another contributing factor is the lack of awareness and understanding of the negative impact of discrimination on individuals and the overall work environment, with many such managers not consciously aware of their own biases and unknowing prejudiced beliefs.
The consequences of workplace discrimination are far-reaching and detrimental, as it not only affects the victims directly but also hampers organizational productivity, innovation, and employee morale. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort from both employers and employees, involving the implementation of robust anti-discrimination policies, diversity training programs, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. By promoting equal opportunities and creating a safe and supportive work environment, organizations can strive towards eliminating workplace discrimination and reaping the benefits of a diverse and empowered workforce.
To successfully promote diversity and inclusivity within the work environment, there are a few qualities that are necessary for someone to succeed in such endeavors.
For those who are passionate about creating an inclusive work environment or can shape their organization or team’s work environment and wish to learn how to, Ashton College is proud to present their Diversity and Inclusion training course. The course content will include the following topics:
These topics will help students understand some of the difficulties that employees may go through in an unwelcoming inclusive environment and how they can help manage to create a more inclusive and diverse company. Issues arising from cultural differences, internal beliefs and other such issues will be covered throughout this course. One that does not overlook talent if they do not ‘fit’ normality however focusing solely on diversity and appearing inclusive also can be equally damaging. If you are interested, then for more information visit the following link: https://www.ashtoncollege.ca/programs/diversity-and-inclusion-training-certificate/
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
