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Diversity is no longer just an opinion; it is a Canadian Value as stated by 92.0% of Canadians who are aged 15 and older according to the 2020 General Social Survey results. As shown by the statistics, the importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in the workplace continues to increase as more and Canadians believes that one of Canada’s strongest strengths is its ethnocultural and religious diversity. In 2021 more then 450 cultural and ethnic origins were reported within Canada and increasingly vocal voices speak out regarding the need for workplaces to be inclusive and diverse within Canada rather than sticking with anarchic ideals and beliefs within a workplace’s environment. But what is Diversity and its importance aside from being a buzzword used on social media as an appeal grab?
True Diversity is commonly related to Inclusivity. Being diverse means that the group or workforce is accepting individuals regardless of their diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, age, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, and more. To be diverse is to accept anyone but also to be inclusive in that you will accept anyone, even those who are white and male rather than aiming to check off a list for the sake of being ‘diverse’ and to treat all your employees equally and fairly.
A company can hire a mix of people (race, gender, background, etc.) but still fail to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
The best candidate for the job gets it, regardless of background. This fosters a sense of belonging where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
It's the rich tapestry of experiences and characteristics that employees bring to the table. This creates a well-rounded team with a wider range of ideas to tackle challenges.
They unlock innovation, creativity, and productivity by harnessing the power of different voices and perspectives.
The first reason for doing so is the statistics in Canada. In 2021 there were more then 450 different ethnics reported within Canada’s census with only 5.7 million reporting a Canadian origin in Canada, which was around 15.6% of the total population of Canada at the time. Some of the other notable numbers are shown down below.
Canada’s ethnic diversity cannot be denied, and it is one of its strengths. An organization choosing to be exclusive and focusing one portion of the population is cutting itself off from access to millions of potential workers. There have been numerous studies conducted that have shown that racially diverse companies and companies with stronger women representation are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts. A company that is supportive of a diverse workforce allows for a multitude of fresh ideas and innovative solutions that comes from having employees with different experiences and perspective.
Companies that value diversity and inclusion attract top talent, from all backgrounds. This creates a loyal, empowered workforce that reflects the real world. Treating everyone fairly and with respect keeps employees engaged, innovative, and successful. This is especially important in today's competitive market. Diverse and inclusive companies not only do the right thing, they also perform better. Engaged employees are more productive and likely to recommend their company to others. It's a win-win!
Discrimination in the workplace is a big problem. People are unfairly treated based on things like race, gender, or disability. This can be because of unconscious bias or even managers who favour certain groups.
This hurts everyone. It makes employees feel bad, and it keeps companies from getting the best ideas and talent.
How do we fix it? Companies need clear rules against discrimination, training to spot bias, and a work environment that respects everyone. By creating a level playing field, companies can be fairer and more successful.
To successfully promote diversity and inclusivity within the work environment, there are a few qualities that are necessary for someone to succeed in such endeavors.
Ashton College offers a course in Diversity and Inclusion which includes the following topics:
This course will explore challenges faced by employees in unwelcoming workplaces. You'll learn how to create a truly inclusive and diverse company. We'll discuss cultural differences, personal beliefs, and more. We won't overlook talent just because someone seems different. But simply hiring a diverse team isn't enough. True inclusion matters!
Want to learn more? Visit https://www.ashtoncollege.ca/programs/diversity-and-inclusion
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