Workplace diversity, inclusion and impact on employee satisfaction : how organizations promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Abstract

Workplace diversity and inclusion are what make up a workforce. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace ensure fairness and eliminate discrimination in the workplace. It ensures equal opportunity for all employees regardless of their background and characteristics like gender, religion, age, sex, ethnicity, and nationality. The aim of this study is to explore how organizations promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and its impacts on employee satisfaction.

Diversity is the practice of involving people from different cultural backgrounds, gender, race, sexual orientation and ethnic groups. It involves combining our different perspectives that shape the world. The workplace is considered like a second home where colleagues are considered members of the family. However, it differs in that people have different culture, race, gender, and religion. It is, therefore, important that each member of this ‘family’ feels included, safe, loved and protected to ensure greater productivity. This role lies in the hands of managers, supervisors, and the CEO. The theoretical framework of this study included matters like, workplace diversity, managing diversity, how diversity and inclusion impact employee satisfaction, advantages and disadvantages of work-place management and inclusion that was gathered from articles, books, and websites. It also included an empirical part that analyzed the data gathered from a questionnaire.

The qualitative research method was used to carry out this study. A well semi-structured interview was carried out with participants, face to face. The correspondents consisted of supervisors, line managers, CEOs, team leaders and employees to explore how the organizations’ diversity and inclusion strategy impact employee satisfaction.

The result of this study revealed that workplace diversity and inclusion impact employees positively. Though the company had no practices and programs put in place to promote diversity and inclusion, it however manages its workers based on the company’s value of “treat others the way you want to be treated”. The company operating with the value of equal and fair treatment has greatly impacted its employees as it promotes collaboration, builds trust and understanding and enhances team building.