Company Responsibility, Diversity, and Inclusion
When discussing company responsibility and sustainability, it is essential to consider not only environmental concerns, which have received increasing attention, but also the ethical and moral obligations of an organisation.
Diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, socio-economic backgrounds etc. brings the benefit of a wide range of perspectives, thoughts and ideas which can be representative of the organisation’s customer base. In the most successful organisations these differences are recognised and celebrated through the development of fair policies and practices, resulting in employees feeling valued, respected and empowered.
Diversity in My Work Context
In my consulting role, I observe how diversity and inclusion play out in client organisations. Key examples include gender, foreign workers, younger and older workers, expectant and new mothers, and disabled employees.
The construction industry has seen a rise in foreign or immigrant workers with limited English, creating challenges in ensuring safety information is properly communicated. Tools such as bilingual staff and visual aids help, but cannot guarantee understanding.
Age differences can also create difficulties. Older employees may become frustrated with younger workers who appear reckless, while younger employees may resist traditional practices. Encouraging mentoring and providing thorough training helps bridge this gap and promotes teamwork, which is crucial in high-risk environments.
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