President's column: Creating and embracing diversity in the workplace

Omar Rashid, president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, looks at the importance of creating and embracing diversity in the workplace. Omar is the director of the consultancy The HR Department Central and Wolverhampton and is a presenter on Unity FM, the UK's largest Muslim community radio station.

Embracing a diverse workforce

For many years we have heard how businesses should embrace diversity and the benefits in doing so. Fostering diversity isn't just a trend; it's a strategic imperative.

A diverse workforce isn't just about ticking boxes�it's about enriching your company with fresh perspectives, creativity, and the power to thrive in an ever-changing fast-paced world.

Embracing diversity isn't just about being politically correct; it's about unleashing the true potential of your business, whether you are an SME or a large corporate. A diverse workforce brings together a mixture of experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that can lead to innovative solutions and deeper connections with a wider client base.

So how can you as a business implement a diversity strategy that is more than a tick box?

Start with a clear strategy

Building a diverse workforce requires a well-thought-out strategy. Begin by assessing your current workforce and identifying areas where you lack representation. Gain a grasp of your current customer base and realise the potential of further growth.

Set clear diversity goals and integrate them into your overall business objectives. Engage your leadership team to ensure commitment from the top down.

Inclusive recruitment

To create a diverse workforce, your recruitment process needs to be intentionally inclusive. Expand your recruiting sources to reach a wider talent pool. Implement blind recruitment practices or use of external interview panel support to reduce unconscious biases. Craft job descriptions that emphasise skills and potential over specific backgrounds.

Nurture inclusive company culture

Diversity thrives in an inclusive environment. Foster a workplace culture that values and celebrates differences. As a starting point offer diversity and inclusion training for all employees to raise awareness and promote respect.

Encourage open conversations about various perspectives to create a safe space for expression. Ensure prayer rooms, dietary requirements and religious holidays are the norm and not available upon request.

Mentorship and development

Provide mentorship and development opportunities for all employees, irrespective of their background. Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced team members with newer ones, fostering a sense of belonging and professional growth.

Data-driven progress

Monitor your progress through data-driven metrics. Regularly review diversity statistics in your workforce and assess whether your initiatives are achieving desired outcomes. This helps you identify areas that need more attention and adapt your strategies accordingly.

For businesses that already have a diverse workforce, maintaining it is equally important. Here are some challenges you might face and ways to overcome them -

• Inclusivity fatigue: Sometimes, businesses may lose momentum in their diversity efforts due to complacency. Keep the conversation alive by consistently showcasing the value of diversity and sharing success stories.
• Unconscious bias resurgence: Despite efforts, unconscious biases can resurface. Continuously educate employees about these biases and provide resources for self-assessment and growth.
• Retention: Retaining diverse talent can be challenging. Implement flexible work arrangements, mentorship programmes, and career progression plans that help all employees feel valued and empowered.
• Leadership representation: Ensure that diversity extends to leadership roles. Promote from within and provide leadership development opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups.