Does diversity in the workplace ensure workplace equality?

No

7 of 10

by Rosemary Redfern

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Diversity is the variety of personality and skills individuals bring to a job. Equality means everyone being treated with equality and having the opportunities they need, not necessarily the same opportunities because individual needs will differ.

Every workplace requires a number of different skills. For one person to have the all the skills is impossible.

For instance, the accountants need to be individuals who are content to deal with details, work patiently and keep records accurately. It requires a certain type of person to be good at the work. But that job would drive an extrovert sales person mad; someone who dislikes working alone but is great at interacting with customers. The creative aspects of designers, artists, potters, tailors and embroiderers flourish when they can concentrate on what they enjoy doing and are good at. It's sometimes difficult to appreciate how someone completely different can be content doing what they do. Many people, to earn a living, work in an office for which they are not ideally suited.

Many small businesses founder because a brilliant craftsman cannot cope with the nitty gritty of keeping financial records, sending out bills and dealing with appointments. These differing jobs require different skills and aptitudes.

It's when we realize that the skills and personality people bring to a job actually make for success that its possible to appreciate what other people do.

The essential variety in skills is something to value. Each person has a contribution to make, however humble. In theory this should make for equality.

Unfortunate ly it's usually only enlightened businesses who recognize that the skills available are part of the needs of a business. Inadequate managers might feel that subordinates are a threat and have to be kept in their place.

Employees bring to their work, the problems that exist for them in their private lives. It may be overtly, when they complain and irritate colleagues by their hard luck stories or covertly by appearing moody. It becomes part of their perceived persona. This mixture of issues can be the cause of someone being sidelined who, otherwise, is a useful worker. Someone who might benefit from a course or extra training loses out because they are not deemed the right person'.

There are some businesses which make use of the diversity of abilities available and they thrive by supporting their employees. The psychological aspect of being praised for a job well done is invaluable. Praise is something which is not easily done in western society. Criticism deflates, but praise produces a better work rate because the individual glows and wants to keep it that way.

In theory diversity should ensure equality in the workplace, but it does not always happen.

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