Diversity refers to the diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, education, language, religion, culture, background and so on. This diversity can be felt by us when we go for work in our work places, especially in MNCs. However, the same diversity is also about appreciating differences between individuals, and in context with the workplace ensuring that each of these varying attributes and characteristics are valued. The MNC companies have recognised the huge value that hiring a diverse range of individuals and personalities can add for their business. Hence, we should also respect this diversity and believe in their inclusion for enhancing the performance of the team and success of the organization through encouragement and acceptance of each one’s unique qualities.

What do we gain by respecting diversity and inclusion?

1. Gain different perspectives.
   1. Fight out our biases.
   2. Enhances our empathy
   3. Breaks cross cultural barriers
   4. Tends to break groups and associations at work place.
   5. Moves our thoughts from local to  global
   6. Starts developing a growth mindset
   7. Enhances our creativity and innovation.
   8. Improves our collaborative spirits.
   9. Improves our productivity

Story

Suguna K is B.A.,B.Ed by education. But, due to her visual impairment, she could not secure a job and started selling candies along with her husband,  Elumalai at a Railway Station in Chennai. Noticing that she was selling candies and helping her child with his studies, a volunteer called Sujith Kumar, Founder of Maatram Foundation, and Senior HR Leader at Infosys Limited, Chennai, posted her story on social media which went viral within hours. Based on his contacts, Sujith introduced her to Nirmala Krishnan who is the principal of Mahindra World School, Chennai. After speaking with her for a while, the principal saw Suguna’s potential and inducted her as a Tamil language teacher. She is also pursuing a PhD alongside her employment and being a mom of two kids. Sometimes, our little role has a huge impact in a person’s life. Moreover, the perspective of diversity and inclusion exhibited by the principal of Mahindra World School, Chennai is mindboggling.

Activity

Write down three steps you would take to improve inclusion in your diverse environment.

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Quote

“Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work” ~Andres Tapia

Takeaways

1. Diversity refers to the diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, education, language, religion, culture, background and so on.
2. We should respect this diversity and believe in their inclusion for enhancing the performance of the team and success of the organization through encouragement and acceptance of each one’s unique qualities.