Creating a team that is culturally and racially diverse demands a strategic approach that goes beyond merely employing people from diverse backgrounds. Companies can build a diverse and high-performing team that fosters innovation and commercial success by highlighting the value of diversity and inclusion, recruiting from a variety of sources, providing flexible work arrangements, fostering an inclusive work environment, and offering opportunities for professional development.
Emphasize the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
Companies must first stress the value of diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization in order to create a team that is multicultural. This can be done by establishing quantifiable diversity targets, providing diversity training, and developing a clear diversity and inclusion policy.
- Example: An such is the worldwide professional services firm Accenture, whose goal is to achieve gender parity in its workforce by 2025. Accenture is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Recruit from a Wide Range of Sources
To find varied talent, businesses should seek outside of the conventional recruitment channels and utilize a variety of sources. This can entail cooperating with academic institutions, going to international job fairs, using social media, and collaborating with international employment agencies.
- Example: Google collaborates with a number of groups, including the Grace Hopper Celebration and Women Techmakers, to hire a variety of talent from around the world.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Companies can attract a wide pool of candidates by providing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, or job-sharing opportunities. These candidates may not be able to relocate or work regular hours for personal or cultural reasons.
- Example: Dell Technologies provides flexible work arrangements that enable staff members to work from home or change their schedules, making it simpler for the business to draw in and keep talented people from all over the world.
Foster an Inclusive Work Environment
In order to retain varied talent and make sure that every team member feels appreciated and respected, it is essential to establish an inclusive workplace culture. This can be accomplished through fostering open communication, fostering teamwork, and recognizing cultural diversity.
- Example: The multinational consumer goods corporation Unilever promotes an inclusive culture by honoring numerous cultural occasions like Diwali and Chinese New Year and by providing employee resource groups to assist and empower its diverse workforce.
Don't limit opportunities for professional growth
Giving employees the chance to grow professionally through opportunities like language study, cultural sensitivity training, and international assignments can help them acquire the abilities and information required to thrive in a diverse workplace.
- Example: IBM's Corporate Service Corps, one of the company's many professional development initiatives that gives staff members the chance to work on projects abroad and gain exposure to many cultures and viewpoints.
Encourage Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Team members can benefit from each other's experiences and perspectives through encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, which can stimulate innovation and improve problem-solving skills.
- Example: The multinational consumer products corporation Procter & Gamble promotes cross-functional and cross-cultural cooperation by hosting global innovation challenges, where employees from various areas come up with creative answers to business problems.
