Modern Office: Why a Diverse Workforce Works
instance, a workforce comprised The shifting demographics of of people all of the same age and the United States are becoming background would be limited, increasingly important for employers to consider when building as they generally share similar cultural and life experiences. In a productive workforce. contrast, the varying perspectives More than 50 percent of the of a team comprised of different working-age population will be ages, genders, races, nationalities, made up of minorities by 2039, sexual orientations and thinking according to the U.S. Census styles can result in more creativity Bureau. Now more than ever, a and better problem-solving. workforce’s accurate reflection of Recently Staples, along with 378 the evolving populace is not only other employers and employer a key to structuring an inclusive organizations, signed an amicus office culture, but it also makes brief, urging the Supreme Court great business sense. Staples, a to strike down state bans on gay leader in workplace diversity, marriage. State laws that prohibit offers the following commentary and tips on how to foster a culture or decline to recognize marriages of inclusion. between same-sex couples hinder employer efforts to recruit and A diverse workforce makes more knowledgeable and effective retain the most talented workforce possible in those states. The sucdecisions cesses of companies like Staples, Various backgrounds, skill sets which has earned a perfect score and experiences all contribute on the Human Rights Campaign’s to sound decision-making. For 6 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MAY/JUNE 2015
Corporate Equality Index for the last five years, depend upon the welfare and morale of all employees and such differential treatment creates unnecessary confusion, tension and a significant burden on both employers and employees. “We see the power of diversity as a competitive advantage and strive to realize its full potential by leveraging the unique talents and strengths of our associates” says Erika Hopkins, director of workplace inclusion and diversity for Staples. “When diversity is enabled by a culture of inclusion, associates feel respected and valued, allowing them to perform at their peak every single day, resulting in better innovation, idea generation and organizational performance.” An inclusive workplace improves performance When employees feel valued and respected, they perform
