Employing workers from all different age and ethnic groups is not only politically correct and socially au courant, it is also good business. Although there is not one specific reason for this, it is the kind of fact that reeks of the expression, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it." Despite some critics, diversity has become so very successful that many corporations are implementing policies that will attract workers of all ages and backgrounds, many of which (language training, etc.) are geared specifically to a foreign workforce.

Many corporations still need help in this arena, but to their credit, they are at least trying to get it. Corporate training practices are changing along with the changing face of America's workers. More than anything else, the concept of diversity embraces what America is really all about. Diversity awareness training is only the tip of a growing iceberg. Firms are now focusing on providing management with specific skills that are designed to attract and retain a diverse work population.

According to Katherine Esty, managing partner of the Ibis Consulting Group, the trend in training programs is towards e-learning that is designed to make different gender, racial and ethnic groups more comfortable in the workplace. Fleet Boston, for example, has seven diversity resource groups: one for Asians, African-Americans, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian, Latinos, parents and women. While it may seem on the surface like sororities and fraternities, that these groups tend to segregate people and issues, the ramifications are, in most cases, quite the opposite. These groups not only support each other they also raise money to supply grant awards to community organizations.

Separate but equal, separate but not separate, separate but together. All of the above apply. And they blend in a way no other country in the world could promise, with the hope of a new America forged by all souls, corporate and non-corporate.

Do YOU have any experience with diversity programs? Please share.

Learn more about this author, M Dee Dubroff.
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