Those old reasons not to hire employees due to gender, race or creed in order to homogenize a business can no longer be used with credibility. The best way to attract and keep the “best” workers, and customers too, is to have a workplace that reflects the world as it is today not as it was. “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” ― Stephen R. Covey (businessman and author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.) Said another way, diversity is a competitive advantage.
Our communities are increasingly becoming a “multi” place to live: multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-cultural. When the best recruits are selected and then included in the fabric of the business, their differences won’t inhibit growth or make things difficult as once thought. A company can thrive when everyone is expected to participate and contribute. Assimilating multi points of view works. A diverse staff adds value.
“We believe great leadership is by definition inclusive. In an inclusive organization, everyone is responsible and empowered to lead. It’s up to each of us to act as an agent of positive and sustainable change that will lead our organizations forward…” The Forum on Workplace Inclusion
