Diversity in the Workplace

Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace.

More creativity in solving problems.Greater innovation.Higher productivity.Better relationships with global customers.Targeted marketing campaigns.More customers.Greater profits.Larger talent pool of workers.Increased community involvement and support.Better communication.More supportive work environment.

Types of Diversity in the Workforce

Aging workersImmigrantsRaceSexDisabilitiesChanging Families

Discrimination Defined

The act, practice, or instance of making a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than merit; the act of discriminating categorically or by group, rather than individually; the results of a prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment.

Stereotypes

StereotypesOften begins at home.Children observe attitudes and hear jokes

and negative comments about “outsiders”Born of fear and ignorance

Types of Stereotypes

Disabilities-people fear the disable because of fear they might become disable themselves.

Sex-men and women must treat each other as equals, avoiding inappropriate touching, jokes, or offensive comments.

Age-never hold misguided beliefs about people of different ages.

Race-unfamiliarity and fear can lead to conflicts on the job.

Ageism and Generation Differences

Ageism can be defined as "any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person or group because of age or any assignment of roles in society purely on the basis of age“ Ageism, however, is different from other "isms" (sexism, racism etc.), for primarily two reasons.

First, age classification is not static. An individual's age classification changes as one progresses through the life cycle.

Second, no one is exempt from at some point achieving the status of old, and therefore, unless they die at an early age, experiencing ageism

1980-2000: Millennials or Generation Y

Tech-Savvy: Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform in school and their jobs better.

Family-Centric: The fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who is willing to trade high pay, flexible schedules and a better work/life balance.

Achievement-Oriented: Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the previous generation, Generation Y is confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented.

Team-Oriented: As children, Generation Y participated in team sports, play groups and other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others.

Attention-Craving: Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance.

1965-1979: Generation X

Individualistic: Generation X came of age in an era of two-income families, rising divorce rates and a faltering economy. Women were joining the workforce in large numbers, spawning an age of “latch-key” children. As a result, Generation X is independent, resourceful and self-sufficient.

Technologically Adept: The Generation X mentality reflects a shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy. The first generation to grow up with computers, technology is woven into their lives..

Flexible: Many Gen Xers lived through tough economic times in the 1980s and saw their workaholic parents lose hard-earned positions. Thus, Generation X is less committed to one employer and more willing to change jobs to get ahead than previous generations.

Value Work/Life Balance: Unlike previous generations, members of Generation X work to live rather than live to work. They appreciate fun in the workplace and espouse a work hard/play hard mentality.

1946-1964: Baby Boomers

Work-Centric: Baby Boomers are extremely hardworking and motivated by position, perks and prestige. Baby Boomers relish long work weeks and define themselves by their professional accomplishments.

Independent: Baby Boomers are confident, independent and self-reliant. This generation grew up in an era of reform and believe they can change the world.

Goal-Oriented: With increased educational and financial opportunities than previous generations, Baby Boomers are achievement-oriented, dedicated and career-focused.

Competitive: Since Baby Boomers equate work and position with self-worth, they are quite competitive in the workplace.

1925-1945: Silent Generation

Values 1. Believe in conformity, authority and rules 2. Believe in logic 3. Very defined sense of right and wrong 4. Loyalty and respect for authority Attributes5. Disciplined 6. View an understanding of history as a way to plan for the future 7. Dislike conflict 8. Detail oriented Work style9. Consistency and uniformity 10. Seek out technological advancements

1900-1924: G.I. Generation

They have been labeled as "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw.

They grew up in the Great Depression and have made significant contributions during World War II.

They are also sometimes called "Generation Firsts" for being pioneers in several fields such as the first to use the word "teenagers“ in the American language.

This generation is also the first to grow up in an environment where there are child labor restrictions, vitamins, and public playgrounds.

1. How can an employer help workers to diminish stereotypical beliefs?

2. What can employees do to overcome stereotypes on the job?

3. How can a company reduce communication barriers among workers?

4. Describe ways that language or culture can affect communication

5. What kinds of problems might young and old workers face when working together on a team assignment?

6. How can a non-disabled worker prepare to work on a team with a worker who is disabled?

Activity~ write answers on your own paper.