Abstract Section
With the era of globalization comes a more diversified workforce. It is inevitable for companies to have employees who have different cultural and religious affiliations and diverse educational and professional backgrounds. An important question that comes to mind for most corporations is whether workforce diversity is a luxury or a necessity. This essay aims to discuss the advantages and challenges of workforce diversity. The paper will strive to determine whether there is really a need to diversify the workforce or is it just a bonus which will make the company look and perform better.
Paper Section
The advancements in technology and communication have made the world seem smaller because it is now easier to get connected to any part of the world. For many multinational companies, outsourcing some jobs from different parts of the globe has become a necessity because of the cost benefits it offers. To remain competitive, companies have started recruiting people whose expertise they need, not taking into consideration their nationality, religion, sexual preferences, economic class or disability.
There are several benefits to workforce diversity. First, companies gain a competitive edge when they employ individuals across the borders. Their employees can communicate better and understand their customers more if they share a commonality. This translates to increased market share in the growing global marketplace. Another benefit cited by Calavera is the increased innovation and problem solving for sustainability brought about by a diverse workplace (2013). Having individuals of varying skills, talents and backgrounds makes decision-making have a whole new perspective. A workplace with a diverse pool of talent with varying creative approaches and perspective is an environment conducive to innovation. Furthermore, productivity increases because of the innovative work models that are developed through a conglomeration of these talents. Another reason cited by Calavera why workforce diversity is advantageous for the company is because it makes recruitment easier (2013). Since corporations are not restricted to hiring individuals of a certain nationality or background, their recruitment now knows no boundaries; thus, they can get the best person for the job.
Workforce diversity presents some challenges for management. Although from the advantages cited above, one can say that it is a necessity and not a luxury, workplace diversity also has its problems. One of the most common problems brought about by workplace diversity is the possible existence of biases, prejudices and stereotyping. Management must see to it that they are able to address this dilemma by instilling in every employee an attitude of open-mindedness, tolerance and understanding. Another challenge that management faces with workforce diversity is the conflicts and disunity that may occur due to differing views and backgrounds .
Summary/Conclusion Section
It can be concluded that workforce diversity is no longer a luxury, rather it is a necessity. Workforce diversity is inevitable for companies who want to survive in this age of globalization. Not only is workforce diversity a simple abiding to anti-discrimination laws; rather, it is to the greatest advantage of the company to employ a diverse workforce. It brings about new learnings and experiences for both the employees and employers as well. But with workforce diversity comes new challenges for management and employees who have to learn how to handle cultural sensitivities and differences in backgrounds.
References
Calavera, G. R. (2013, March). Workplace diversity: Tapping talent on a global scale. Retrieved from hrmasia.com: http://www.hrmasia.com/resources/diversity/workplace-diversity-tapping-talent-on-a-global-scale/173262/
Employer Branding. (2012, February 8). The pros and cons to diversity. Retrieved from employerbrandingtoday.com: http://www.employerbrandingtoday.com/blog/2012/02/08/the-pros-and-cons-to-diversity/
Gaikwad, M. (2010, April 14). Diversity in the workplace. Retrieved from buzzle.com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/workplace-diversity-in-the-workplace.html
