The Effectiveness Of Racial Diversity In The Workforce

 

Over two decades have passed since positive action became official, thrusting the question of racial diversity in the workplace back into the public consciousness and into the forefront and most often into the crosshairs. Many studies over the years have concluded that racial discrimination is alive and well within the workplace. Although there have been no hard and fast conclusions as to whether or not racial discrimination occurs more frequently or even when any at all, one thing is sure - it exists. And while some companies have come forward and took swift action against this sort of conduct, many others have remained mum or have done little more than shill some politically correct propaganda in an attempt to cover their bad actions.

While it is true that the number of complaints filed each year has decreased as companies come under pressure to become more diverse and inclusive, many people are still struggling to work in an environment where racial diversity is so rampant. Recent studies have shown that the number of blacks, Latinx, Asian, and American managers has actually increased, but those same executives who would benefit from such positions are also leaving the industry because they simply do not believe they can be successful at their job without an extra dose of preferential treatment from an upper management position. While many people blame the media for perpetuating a myth that employers will discriminate against employees on the basis of race, the sad truth is that the vast majority of companies do nothing to discourage this thought process and this myth. On the contrary, many employers have taken steps toward creating more equal employment opportunities for all employees, yet those same companies continue to provide barriers to racial diversity in the workplace that keep qualified black and Latinx workers from getting promoted to senior management positions.

It seems that there are two ways to deal with racial discrimination in the workplace; you can either deal with it or not deal with it. Some people say you can't win with positive action while others think you can. With the growing calls for change within the United States, companies are finally beginning to take a stance on this racial disparity in the workforce. While companies may never eliminate racial discrimination, the changes are beginning to happen, even from a superficial level.

Companies large and small are now taking a more proactive approach to their recruitment practices. They are conducting recruiting drives focused specifically on increasing the diversity of their workforce. In some cases, they are doing this by hiring former employees or minority individuals who have been successful in their careers at another company and then grooming them to work at their own workplace. For example, if an employee already has experience working in sales in a predominately white environment, they may be encouraged to apply at a predominately white office.

In other instances, the company may be hiring from a non-traditional area of employment. For example, community college employees are starting to pick up on marketing courses that teach them how to market themselves on the job. This is a great way to add diversity that can be used right away. Many community college students are also starting to think about the importance of higher education. This means that these same students are gaining experience that will give them the edge when it comes to landing a great job in the future.

Most companies are aware of the risk that exists by allowing racial discrimination to take place within their workplace. It is becoming increasingly more common for companies to be sued because of this issue. A person who feels discriminated against because of their race has the right to take legal action in court. If the company has a true intent to discriminate, they are liable to a lawsuit.

Another benefit of increased diversity is the fact that employees tend to enjoy themselves more when they work in a diverse office environment. Employees who feel welcomed and respected in their position tend to do their best work. They feel connected with the company and its ideals. This increases productivity because everyone is focused on the goals of the company. Diversity can work for the good and help to make a company more successful in its area of focus.

These are just some of the many benefits of diversity. There are many more that are not as obvious to the point of view of an employer or a business owner. There is a significant impact on a company and how well they are run if they do not have the necessary diversity in their workforce. This can be the difference between thriving and failing.