How to Manage Diversity Toward a Globally Inclusive Workplace
- 1). Write a clear company policy about its diversity acceptance so that no employee can be confused about the company's stance on this issue. Include the company's stance on affirmative action, equal employment opportunities and acceptable work place behavior which embraces diversity. Include in your company's diversity policy a set of clear procedures that should be followed if a negative incident occurs. Include also a mission statement about how your company understands that utilizing the backgrounds of diverse individuals will help its information base to grow, making the company more successful. Publish the policy in the employee training literature, and send a hard copy to each employee with any updates.
- 2). Hold a diversity class or training session at your business for your employees. Make the training attendance required by all employees, especially middle management, so that each employee is on the same page as another regarding appropriate behavior in the workplace surrounding diversity issues. Include activities in the training that will make it fun to attend, but cover all important aspects about workplace diversity issues, including equal employment opportunities, affirmative action and daily behavior around the workplace.
- 3). Stop negative behavior in the workplace which does not support a globally inclusive work environment immediately. Be clear that rude or off-color comments, demeaning language, inappropriate emails, messages, threats or other hostile behavior is unacceptable. Refer to the policies set forth in the published diversity standards created in step 1.
- 4). Offer options for employees to take necessary time off work to observe their particular religious holidays. This may include paid time off, unpaid time off, flex time or the ability to switch shifts with other employees.
- 5). Create mentor/mentee relationships between coworkers of varying demographics, race and religion. Encourage these partnerships to allow coworkers to discuss their personal views, culture and work perspectives with each other.
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