Diversity = Inclusion

What is Diversity?

Diversity is an inclusion process designed to foster an environment in which the talents and differences of all employees are respected and valued as necessary for business success. Diversity is a broad concept that encompasses many elements of individuals. Workplace diversity is defined as the collective mixture of differences and similarities, including individual and organizational characteristics, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviors.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is a culture that connects each employee to the organization; encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness; and leverages diversity throughout the organization so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. In short, inclusion is the foundation of an organizational culture that fosters diversity.

“Workforce Diversity” can be broadly defined as an acknowledgment of the need to consciously and positively address the spectrum of cultural differences that exists in the workforce. An effort to create a work environment that enables all employees to function at the maximum level of their abilities.

Key concepts include:

• Managing Diversity:
  A management approach that acknowledges individual differences among employees (regardless of the source or nature of the differences) and seeks to create a work environment that capitalizes on the differences for organizations to reach their potential.


• Valuing Diversity:
  A characteristic of a corporate culture that goes beyond mere acknowledgment of employee differences to actually appreciating, encouraging, and valuing those differences.