The workplace is becoming increasingly diverse and the latest statistics are proof. According to recent research, workplace diversity brings with it many benefits.
It has been found that teams with a variety of backgrounds working together make more effective decisions than those that don’t – up to 87% more, in fact.
Additionally, companies that embrace diversity are 120% more likely to meet financial goals set for them. All in all, this means one thing: having a diverse team in the workplace is beneficial both professionally and economically.
Let’s find out the latest workplace diversity statistics to better understand the current state of the workplace.
Workplace Diversity Statistics
- Diverse teams make 87% more effective decisions. 1
- Companies that are diverse are 120% more likely to meet financial targets. 7
- Companies that are seen as more diverse and welcoming are 35% more likely to do better than their rivals. 2
- 74%t of millennial workers say their company is more innovative if it has an inclusive culture, and 47% of this age group specifically looks for diversity and inclusion when evaluating potential employers. 3
- Around 77% of the American workforce identifies as white. 4
- Diverse companies have a 70% greater chance of success when entering new markets.
- 75% of inclusive businesses surpass their financial targets.
- As many as 83 percent of all millennials are more invested in their work if they think their company promotes a diverse and inclusive culture. 3
Diversity Issues In The Workplace According to Experts
1.Communication issues
Organizations with workplace diversity, according to WGU, may face a variety of communication challenges. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, tensions, and ambiguity within the workplace.
For example, businesses that work to increase diversity in terms of language and culture may find it difficult to communicate across international boundaries when employees speak a different language or have different cultural practices.
Therefore, managers may be challenged when trying to explain expectations clearly in order to avoid any potential offense. Ensuring clear and effective communication is key for fostering a respectful and productive workplace environment for all employees.
2.Conflict Among Employees
Conflict between employees is one of the main workplace diversity issues, according to Chron. Prejudice, racism, discrimination and a lack of respect can cause tension between different groups in a work environment, leading to explosive or violent outbursts.
To prevent such situations, many businesses provide diversified workspaces and comprehensive diversity training programs. This helps create a culture of acceptance and respect among all employees.
3.Harassment
Diversityintech reports that 6 out of 10 women have experienced sexual harassment at work.
This sort of pervasive behavior is a serious problem and undermines businesses’ efforts to create diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Harassment can be more than just sexual violence too; individuals from minority backgrounds can face discrimination on other levels such as educational or cognitive.
To avoid such problems, open communication channels must be established between employees and management, allowing everyone to speak up if they feel discriminated against.
4.Generation Gaps
According to This Way Global, millennials will account for 75% of the workforce by 2025. This change in the workplace is something that many generations are having difficulty adapting too.
In large corporations it’s even more apparent – with a wide range of age groups from teenagers to seniors all working together, cliques and social circles may be formed which in turn can cause workers to feel isolated from the team.
Additionally, there can sometimes be significant disagreements between different generations when it comes to methods and practices within the workplace.
To create a collaborative work environment among all generations, the emphasis should be on developing an open communication culture in which everyone feels heard and valued.
5.Slower decision making
Kallidus claims that slow decision making is a major problem in the workplace due to diversity. Diverse perspectives, attitudes, and ideas can all contribute to the development of innovative solutions, but they can also cause delays and impede progress toward goals.
It is important to make space for debate, allowing more time for teams to explore different views and come to informed decisions. However, there must be a leader or decision maker who can consider all input before ultimately deciding on how best to move forward.
Recognizing everyone’s contributions is critical for ensuring that a diverse workforce feels valued and respected.
FAQs
How many companies lack diversity?
A 2020 study titled The Real Story of Diversity and Inclusion found that 76% of those organizations do not have any concrete goals in place to promote diversity. This means companies may be unaware of the value a diverse workforce can provide, or they may simply not be taking the initiative to create an inclusive environment.
Achieving diversity isn’t something that happens organically, it requires commitment and effort in areas such as equal pay, open communication and respecting different views.
Businesses must make a concerted effort to promote an inclusive atmosphere if they are to reap the benefits of growing diversity.
Do diverse companies perform better?
Diverse companies are undeniably better performers. DNV recently reported that ethnically diverse organizations out-perform those without ethnic diversity by a whopping 36%.
That’s not all; the reports suggest gender diverse companies also perform better with an impressive 25%.
According to credible research, encouraging diversity in organizations may lead to greater success and prosperity. Enhancing the diversity of one’s workforce has numerous benefits, ranging from better decision making to staying ahead of the competition.
Companies should take heed, equipped with the knowledge that embracing diversity can pay off in a big way—for the people, business, and society as a whole.
