Manage Diversity in the Workplace

Question: Discuss about theManage Diversity in the Workplace. Answer: Introduction The aim of the report is to review the efficacy of a diversity policy and why diversity should be maintained in any organization. It also describes about the legislations influencing the policies of diversity and how diversity policy can be disseminated to all the staffs. Although there are different types of Diversity Policies are available, which can be implemented in an organization, after evaluating the structure of the selected organization it can be said that the implementation of Woolworths Limited Diversity Policy is the most appropriate one. It also includes the recommendations that can be done to improve the diversity policy. Diversity in Workplace Diversity in the workplace is referred as variation in thoughts, actions, and personality in between different people in any organization. Diversity is necessary for today's organizations to achieve maximum growth and development (Davis et al., 2016). An organization can attain its maximum profit and growth if it has employees of different ideas, diverse plans, and beneficial thoughts. Therefore, the implementation of an appropriate diversity policy is important for the growth of an organization. Importance of Diversity Policy The Woolworths Limited is helpful in order to develop as well as promote diversity for a particular organization. The boards of Directors always perform evaluation of a company and develop diversity related measurable objectives for the particular company. The aim of this organization is to devote them to an inclusive workplace that embraces and promotes diversity. Therefore, it can be said that the Woolworths Limited Diversity Policy include clear objectives as well as a clear aim, which help them to fulfill their purpose. The Woolworths Limited always value the contributions of people with diverse backgrounds and their experiences as well as perspectives in order to provide exceptional customer services in a diverse community. However, it is found that this organization does not have any specific diversity targets. Legislations Influencing Diversity Policies The legislations which influence a diversity policy in any company are- Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Determination Act 1984, Disability discrimination and other human rights legislation amendment act 2009, Age discrimination act 2004, Human rights and equal opportunity commission act 1986, work health and safety act 2011 and fair work act 2009. The programs available in Australia for Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sexed (LGBTI) are- Australian lesbian and gay archives, national LGBTI health alliance and others. The program for gender equity implemented by the Australian government is Gender equality and women's empowerment strategy (Davis et al., 2016). The program for disability includes an Australian disability parking scheme, Australian disability enterprises, and others. The program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples includes the Oxfam program including health and well- being the program. The program for migrant workers is general skilled migration (GSM) program. Dissemination of Diversity Policies Diversity policies can be spread within all the employees by conducting compulsory staff meetings on a monthly basis or at least in four months. Policies and rules can be easily transferred by mailing them and ensuring that the employees deliver electronic signature, which indicates that they had gone through the critical updates (Kirton Greene., 2015). It can also be done by posting relevant and necessary updates on the official page of the organization so that all can read that at the same time. By providing the employees with revised handbooks in a year can also help in some ways. Review of Policy Review of any policy can be done by considering the policies, procedures and practices that can be identified as strengths and weaknesses in that policy. The areas once identified, are taken for further improvement (Kirton Greene., 2015). The internal forums which can be provided include promotional staff meetings, management meetings, posters and motivational news and appraisals. The external forums can include conferences, seminars, journals, and awards. Recommendations The diversity in the workplace can be improved by widening the recruitment base by using online pages which can be easily accessed by everyone. Development of evaluation form can help in understanding the areas which need improvement. By using the staffs for recruiting new employees can also help in choosing diverse and good candidates. Making clear all the employees about the benefits of diversity and how it can be achieved. Making a good diversity strategic plan helps in achieving goals of the organization for achieving maximum profit. Conclusion From the above discussions it can be said that diversity maintenance in any workplace or organization is necessary for attaining higher growth and development. With the increasing rate of diversified work group it is important to implement diversity policy in an organization. Reference Davis, P. J., Frolova, Y., Callahan, W. (2016). Workplace diversity management in Australia: What do managers think and what are organisations doing?.Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal,35(2), 81-98. Kirton, G., Greene, A. M. (2015).The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach. Routledge.