Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the business rational for having a diversity strategy?
2. What are the advantages on being a leader in diversity?
3. How does a diverse workforce impact business opportunities?
4. What are the key business reasons to promote and value diversity?
5. What is diversity?
6. What are three areas of diversity work?
7. Could you provide an example of other demographic trends that could have an impact on business in the 21st century?

What is the business rational for having a diversity strategy?

The demographics of the workforce and marketplace are changing and will continue to change rapidly in the coming years - both in terms of who is employed and what positions employees hold. These differences can mean a substantial benefit for today's organizations; people's backgrounds bring unique perspectives to the business challenges facing organizations.

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What are the advantages on being a leader in diversity?

• Fewer discrimination charges and lawsuits leading to reduced costs
• Healthier work environment, higher morale, greater satisfaction, lower turnover
• Better penetration of diverse markets

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How does a diverse workforce impact business opportunities?

Lack of effective teams results in internal conflict and inefficiency - products and services are becoming more complex, thus business is becoming more complex. Customers are becoming more diverse; their tastes and needs are more sophisticated and demanding. A diverse workforce simply creates better solutions.

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What are the key business reasons to promote and value diversity?

• The workforce and marketplace are changing
• US population is becoming more diverse by age
• Women are gaining increased economic power
• Companies are becoming increasingly globalized
• Employers are expecting more from workers, employees are changing attitudes about work and expecting greater flexibility - both striving for relationship based on choice

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What is diversity?

Respecting a person's differences while being personally responsible for creating an atmosphere that promotes the full involvement of every employee

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What are three areas of diversity work?

1. EEO/AA - ensure a workplace is free of discrimination and harassment
2. Diversity - develop employees' awareness skills for working well with each other
3. Inclusion - create an environment and culture that uses diversity as a resource to meet organizational goals

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Could you provide an example of other demographic trends that could have an impact on business in the 21st century?

• People with Disabilities - increased income levels and economic leverage will make them a stronger market force
• Work - Life Issues-increasing number of employees are working from home, telecommuting, developing flexible benefit packages with employers
• Sexual Orientation - buying power creates market opportunities. Enhanced ability to influence the buying decisions of non-traditional customers

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