Diversity in the Workplace
Generally defined, diversity is the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization. (Merriam-Webster online) When someone begins speaking about diversity in the workplace, thoughts of Affirmative Action, racial diversity, or sexual equality are usually the first that go through our heads. However, diversity in the workplace is so much more; we must also consider aging workers, handicapped workers, those with alternative lifestyles, and even physical traits.
In the popular sitcom The Office, one episode called "Diversity Day" brings to light many issues concerning diversity in the workplace. One of these issues is workplace discrimination, which is a major problem in the world today. Discrimination occurs when an employee suffers harsh or unfair treatment due to their race, religion, national origin, disabled or veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. This group could also include employees who suffer punishment for opposing workplace discrimination or for reporting violations to the authorities. Federal law prohibits discrimination in a number of work-related areas, including recruiting, hiring, job evaluations, promotion policies, training, compensation and disciplinary action. In a nationwide poll of 331 executives, as many as 81% said they had witnessed discrimination in the workplace. The majority cited race as the most common type of workplace discrimination, followed by gender, age discrimination, and sexual orientation.
Another issue that the episode "Diversity Day" brings to light is the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace. Cultural diversity is based on the idea that cultural identitie ...