Fat Frog Diversity Newsletter September 2008
September 2008
Vol 2, Issue 8
Diversity News
Information on Inclusion
Greetings!
Diversity and inclusion are more important than ever to succeed in today's new economy. Because of this, more and more organizations are integrating multicultural diversity and inclusion programs into their workplace culture. Where many of them get it wrong is that they fail to recognize that the relationship between culture and communication is reciprocal: They influence each other in a variety of ways. Why, how, and what coworkers communicate, verbally and non-verbally, will have a direct influence on the organization's atmosphere. Obviously if the atmosphere is toxic, it will be hard for workers, and the company, to thrive. By opening the lines of communication and encouraging each individual to take an active part in the company's social and cultural fabric we begin to tear down barriers and build mutual respect. In this healthy atmosphere, not only do employees thrive, but it's been proven that the company does as well! A successful diversity and inclusion program can be a company's second greatest asset. Right after it's employees, of course!
Diversity Quote of the Month
"We need diversity of thought in the world to face the new challenges."
- Tim Berners Lee
Tell the World
In order to stay in tune with today's customers, it's important that your workforce fully reflects their diversity. According to research conducted for Jobcentre Plus, having a diverse workforce could help boost sales, as 56% of 2,000 respondents said they would be more likely to visit a business or use a service if they knew it to have a diverse workforce. Even more, 79% of them, said they think it is important for businesses to have a specific policy in place that addresses diversity. Customers want to shop and employees want to work in environments which reflect their local communities. Having an integrated and diverse workforce can influence a potential customer's decisions. But just having a diversity program or policy in place isn't enough. Proactively promoting your organization's diversity is the key to attracting new customers and qualified new recruits who value multiculturalism.
Soft Economy Increases Workplace Prejudices
Earlier this August, USA Today printed an article entitled "Soft Economy Can Strengthen Workplace Biases." In it, diversity expert Steve L. Robbins, Ph.D. explained that biases may become stronger as our struggling economy and continuing layoffs put more stress on both employers and employees. He says that "In stressful situations, we resort to the things we know, and we start excluding people whom we see as strangers. But in order to survive in today's marketplace, we have to realize that it's new ideas that keep organizations ahead and that it's OK to think outside the box. You're not going to get that if you close yourself off." This closing off can happen internally amongst its employees, who may begin banding together or forming cliques among themselves. It can also happen externally, as when a company chooses not to utilize new suppliers or distributors for example. Either way, it can make it harder for a company to compete. In the article, Robbins listed some early signs of what unintentional intolerance in the workplace can include:
· High turnover among certain groups of people
· Poor performance
· Homogenous leaders
· Inappropriate workplace jokes about weight, gender, race or religion
If the soft economy and problems in the workplace seem to be manifesting themselves in these ways, it may be time to re-energize your workplace diversity and inclusion program. Heading these troubles off before they become more major issues can make a difference in an organization's success during these difficult economic times.
Change is Coming
No, this is far from a plug for Barack Obama. Another article released in August, this time by The Washington Post, indicates that our nation's population will look dramatically different by 2050. According to projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, the country will become more racially and ethnically diverse as it increases from about 302 million to 439 million by 2050. In fact, minorities which already make up about one-third of the U.S. population are expected to become a majority by 2042. That shift will happen sooner among children, 44% of whom are minorities. By 2023, more than half are expected to be minority, and by 2050, the proportion will be 62%.
The U.S.' population will also be much older in the future. By 2050, 65-and-older population will have more than doubled and will account for more than one in five residents. Similarly, the 85-and-older population is expected to more than triple.
Knowing what changes are in store for us as a society can be a great influence on what decisions we make within our companies and organizations. These figures show what we should expect not only from future customers but future employees as well.
The kids are in school and we've passed Labor Day. Summer vacation is over! That also means we're closer to our next Diversity Lunch and Learn event. Watch your mailbox for an invitation and more details!
Sincerely,
Laurie Smith
Fat Frog Marketing
