Encouraging diversity in the workplace will help foster creativity, innovation and change aged and stagnant methods. Participants of a Forbes Insights Survey overwhelmingly agree that a diverse workforce will bring the different perspectives that a company needs to power its innovation strategy.

Employees from diverse social and cultural backgrounds bring unique skills, ideas, experiences and perception to the team. Encouraging an amalgamation of cultures, ages, beliefs and social backgrounds will access wider pools of talent and expose businesses to different markets.

Look beyond age and gender

Employers should be seeking employees from different socially economic, educational and cultural backgrounds, as well as race and gender. Each of us brings to the table a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. A broad spectrum of these differences will add invaluable benefits to the company. It will allow companies to better understand their employees and their market and increase their ability to adapt to changing markets.

Provide opportunities for an international career

Developing an international career that involves living and working in multiple countries will not only challenge the views of employees who decide to take this path, but it can be a life-changing experience. The experience can be used to help the workplace embrace differences that were not previously encountered or considered.

Deployed has witnessed the positive benefits that come with sending a domestic worker to the Philippines and vice versa. Staff will be encouraged to become culturally competent and provide insightful education and training for both staff divisions, that can only be achieved by personal sessions.

Invest time

Take the time out to learn about different cultures, practices and behaviours. Understanding your employees will allow you to effectively manage them based on their individual needs, strengths and weaknesses. Provide diversity training in the workplace as part of an effective management plan. Implement a strategic plan to create more than an understanding of diversity but a culture.

Welcome ideas that are different to your own

The creativity generated by diversity will pull from different cognitive thoughts and in turn, different solutions to problems. Employees who feel more comfortable to express themselves and their opinions will feel more empowered. In turn, this will lead to higher levels of positivity and greater levels of motivation and productivity. Make it clear that is company policy to promote individuality and equality.

Actively promoting and managing workplace diversity has many bottom-line benefits for the company and its employees.