Valuing Diversity

One of the many Employability Skills. This is a fairly recent attribute that has been added to employability skills, however, it was previously considered under headings such as respect for others and treating people as equals.

With the increase in awareness of diversity of the workforce (gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, learning difficulties, disabilities and age groups in particular) it is important that an individual has a good understanding and respect of other people in the workplace.

If an organisation is to succeed and prosper, they do not want to employ individuals who are prejudiced because besides alienating potential customers there can also be legal implications if discrimination is proven.

If you are able to show that you are a very reasonable and respectful person who values human diversity, and if most people are being honest, they would probably agree that the diversity of human, animal and plant life is quite wonderful.

Businesses can encourage diversity within a workforce by having inclusive and flexible working policies. This can have the effect of increasing innovation and profitability because a workforce who is diverse and values diversity is able to understand the requirements of a greater range of actual and potential customers.