6 Common Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace

Every organization faces different challenges in its inclusion efforts. These vary depending on company culture, industry, and how much effort an organization has already devoted to DEI efforts. If your organization is just starting on the inclusion journey there will be different issues than if it’s been promoting an inclusive environment for a while through training, regular communication, and education. Nevertheless, here are six common challenges to consider, regardless of where you are:

Diversity and inclusion are proven ways to drive better business performance. Research has shown that diverse individuals with different perspectives aid innovation and financial performance. However, a key element to driving retention and keeping employees engaged is inclusion.

Some organizations devote a lot of resources to acquiring diverse talent and neglect inclusion efforts. And that undermines the huge benefits that diversity promises.

Take time to consider how to be inclusive of the wide range of individuals in your company.

What is implicit bias? It’s a normal human function that can interfere with your ability to act inclusively. 

Here’s how implicit bias works. Our brains receive millions of bits of information all the time, but we cannot process more than 40 pieces of information at a time. So, we’ve become adept at using past experiences and stored information to manage the overwhelming data we receive. This means that we prefer what is familiar and become uncomfortable with new situations and unfamiliar people. We have a bias for what is familiar.

In order to overcome our implicit bias, we need to take time to learn what biases we have and consciously learn to override them. 

Organizations that are devoted to creating diverse environments often lose track of how their efforts are working. It’s crucial to have tools that measure the goals that your company is aiming for. CultureWizard 's Global Inclusion Assessment is a perfect place to start. You can gather a baseline of information and observe, over time, if your efforts are leading where you want them.

Cultural differences create an additional layer of complexity when you’re trying to create an inclusive environment. What is typical and accepted behavior in one culture can be completely misunderstood in another. This can happen even with the best of intentions of everyone included. It’s important to learn about cultural behaviors as one element of diversity.

Another challenge is the lack of ongoing training and education. Learning to be inclusive of people who are different from you takes time and effort. It’s not difficult, but you need to learn about implicit bias and how to mitigate it. You need to understand how to talk to people who are different. All of this cannot be done in one educational session, but needs ongoing attention and training.

Language, different communication styles, cultural backgrounds, and generational differences can be challenges to diversity and inclusion efforts.

Effective communication plays a critical role in a successful diversity and inclusion agenda. Everyone needs to know the benefits of diversity and the values that different colleagues bring to the team. There are enormous advantages, but they take time to become effective and may be realized in small increments. That’s why people need to be reminded often by clear, ongoing communication throughout the organization. 

Want to learn about the benefits of inclusion in the workplace? Check out this blog or request a consultation.