As Belgian poet Julos Beaucarne once said, “individual diversity is what makes everyone’s wealth”.
Indeed, a human-focused business or organization that celebrates diversity harnesses efficiency and a sense of belonging, therefore staff retention as well.
In fact, diversity’s strengths reside in its multiple facets.
Here are four you may wish to consider in the context of your organizational communications.
1. Generational diversity
Today, the workforce consists of three, sometimes four generations of workers that often evolve within the same team. Understanding and taking into account their aspirations and their values provides for a richer, inclusive, and multigenerational environment.
Tip : Offer group workshops with the goal of demonstrating how team members complement each other and showcasing their transferable skills.
Knowledge transfer, from generation to generation
The sharing of knowledge is particularly rich in an intergenerational context. For example, in an interview, woodworker and Storyteller client Danou Charette told us how much his love of wood had first been influenced by his father and grandfather, respectively a sculptor and a lumberjack. The fact that wood has always been a part of his life is what ultimately encouraged him to start his woodworking business.
2. Cultural diversity
Every person has a story, a path and a journey that is unique to them, as well as a cultural wealth to share. All it takes is to listen and observe around you to notice it!
Tip : Develop activities that encourage intercultural interactions by involving the people directly concerned by cultural diversity issues from the beginning.
3. Sexual diversity and gender pluralism
Sexual diversity and gender pluralism include the concept of gender equality as well as those of sexual orientation and identity.
Tip : Open the dialogue surrounding inclusive communications within your organization and strike a committee that can come up with recommendations destined to employees.
4. Functional diversity and neurodiversity
These concepts refer to disabilities and conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities and autism. Neurodivergent people are more present in the workplace than we think while remaining highly stigmatized.
Tip : Consult your staff anonymously and adapt the work environment (ex: providing noise cancelling headphones, planning for quiet spaces, allowing flexible schedules, etc.) to their needs.
To learn more
“Managing generational diversity in the workplace”
Taking diversity into consideration when developing internal communication strategies will help foster innovation and efficiency within your organization, while demonstrating in a tangible way that it is a responsible corporate citizen.
