How Do You Manage Changing Diversity In The Workplace?
Shifting demographics in the workplace are a fact of life as labor markets become more fluid and global travel becomes commonplace. Workforce diversity refers to differences in gender, ethnic background, place of origin and religion. It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of those categories, but personality differences can give rise to workplace conflict over shifts in diversity. Encourage workers to communicate with one another in a professional manner. While some individuals may tolerate or even enjoy using racial or sexual slurs, it is offensive to enough of the population to pose a serious threat to workplace cohesion. Managers who allow a hostile work environment to fester can be held personally liable in civil suits against a company regarding employee conduct. Allow for certain religious practices involving special dress, dietary needs or requirements for short breaks. An observant Jewish worker may request that they be allowed to wear a yarmulke, for example. A Muslim work
