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Incorporation of diversity practices and initiatives into the workplace will increase your company's effectiveness and overall profitability. Let's face it; it is getting much harder to find qualified staff for our key positions.
The lack of vocational training focused on printing in the schools is being felt by everyone. When we recruit today, we are all trying to hire the same people from a labor pool that is getting smaller because of the baby boomer retirements; is becoming less qualified because of the lower educational levels for applicants; and is more competitive because other industries are looking for the same skills.
Because of the smaller sizes of Generations X and Y, the number of potential employees entering the U.S. labor pool is lower than what is needed to meet our continuing economic growth. On the other hand, the number of people entering the labor pools in developing nations is quite high and exceeds their local need for staffing.
In addition, the technology growth in our industry has placed greater demands on us to have better educated workers. They must have an ability to learn new things and to do it quickly. The bad news is that U.S. education is not keeping up with this demand. The number of students in high schools and colleges is declining and, even worse, the academic performance of those who do graduate is also less than needed.
The result is that people with diverse backgrounds are moving to the U.S. seeking employment, and changing the nature of the potential labor pool. As business owners and managers, you need to recognize that this pool, including well educated workers who are vital to the success of your business, will be comprised increasingly of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities.
Rainbow Effect
Diversity has a broad definition. Certainly race, ethnicity, and gender are included. But it also includes differing educational levels, physical ability, religion, parental status, and sexual orientation. If you learn to make the most of this diversity in the workplace, you will remain more competitive in the long run than your competitors.
You need to take a new view about finding the qualified, competent individuals you need to make your company successful. Recognize the importance of diversity and accept it. Diversity is an approach to business that regards human differences in the workplace as contributing to the success of the business and optimizes the willingness and ability of all employees to contribute to that success.
Diversity is about intelligent management of people—all people. It is about encouraging and enabling all employees to draw fully on their talents and skills for the benefit of the business, regardless of their background. Diversity is not the same thing as affirmative action, though it addresses similar social concerns.
The goal of diversity is not to count types of people, but to benefit from the best mix of people. The purpose of diversity is to attract people with an array of talents, experiences, and perspectives and then to empower them to give everything they've got to attain business objectives.
Clearly there are some people who have objections to expanding and promoting diversity. Diversity training may be needed to develop an understanding culture within your company. Proper guidance will help people overcome their stereotypes and prejudices about people unlike themselves. It is all about "valuing differences."
Managers and employees must be encouraged to view the range of human differences positively, both in the workplace and in all aspects of daily life. Diversity training for employees and managers is intended to create a workplace "culture of inclusion" in which employees adjust flexibly to people with different characteristics and backgrounds, making it easier for everyone to develop productive, satisfying work relationships.
The company that is committed to diversity says, "People differ in dozens of ways, and in their differences lies a wide variety of talents and perspectives. The broader the range of talents and the wider the sweep of perspectives among my employees, the better the opportunity for this business to succeed."
Studies have proven that a diverse team will produce greater productivity and profitability than a homogeneous team. In your staffing efforts, look at the diversity of your applicants as a potential boost to your company. Accepting a mix of cultures will contribute to enhanced communication and teamwork and, hence, to greater profit.
Debra Thompson is president of TG & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in "The Human Side of Business" specifically for the graphics industry. Her company provides HR products and services and customized recruiting services. Debra can be reached at 877/842-7762 or email her at Debra@TGassociates.com. Go to www.hiringdept.com and find out about the staffing services available to help you find your top performer.
author: by Debra Thompson