Managing workforce diversity

Abstract

People are different from each other in many ways - these include age, gender, education, values, physical ability, mental capacity, personality, experiences, cultural endowment and the way each person approaches work. Organisations which really want to gain advantage from this increasing diversity need to acknowledge, understand and appreciate these differences. They also need to consider developing a workplace that enhances their employees' value. This is possible if organisations develop appropriate corporate strategies and are flexible enough to meet the varying needs and preferences of the workforce. In return, this is likely to create a motivating and rewarding environment. If the needs of the changing workforce are met, not only are more harmonious working relationships achieved but the organisation will also be amply rewarded. Such organisations will be at a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining the highest quality employees. They will generally be more attractive to today's workforce and prove to be more practical for the mix of workers that exists (Jamieson & O'Mara, 1991:3-4).