Diversity in the workplace is simply defined as employing people with diverse backgrounds. In a true diverse workplace, a multitude of races, cultures, and genders will make up the staff.

A diverse workplace is important for many reasons. The main reason is, although we might want to believe it is for more honorable reasons, because we must follow the laws. Title VII, The Civil Rights Act of 1964, states that an employer cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, or national origin. It is also against the law to prohibit the employment of a qualified applicant with an emotional or physical handicap, unless the job they are applying for would put them or their co-workers in danger.

The more honorable and ethical reasons for a diverse workplace are to bring different perspectives in to the company. People from other cultures have ideas and understandings about things that we many not, and their knowledge could be of great value to the company.

The main factors a company should always focus on are skills and abilities. A company should never hire someone who doesn't meet the job qualifications, regardless of their race or gender. But, there are many qualified people of all difference races, genders, and sexual orientations, and in a true diverse workplace, as many as possible will be represented.

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