How to make your workplace diversity friendly- part two: set an example

Once you have managed to create an atmosphere of acceptance (see Part One) that is conducive to workplace diversity, you need to ensure that the actions and attitudes of all of your employees are consistently welcoming and appropriate. It is imperative that employees from the executive suite to lower level management set an example for all employees to follow.

Being an effective example requires that you be the model for all of your employees. They will notice every action or inaction you take in the workplace. If you fail to set an adequate example, your employees may find it easier to detach themselves from the diversity friendly workplace that you have tried to create.

To maintain this diversity friendly atmosphere, you should also be mindful of what your employees are doing. Be vigilant about their actions and behaviors so as to ensure that their attitudes and subsequent actions towards diversity are welcoming and appropriate.

Any inappropriate comments or actions in the workplace should be dealt with swiftly and decisively. If no action is taken to reprimand employees for inappropriate, lewd, or offensive behavior or comments, you may as well put your personal seal of approval on the bad behavior. If you take no action to contain and eliminate inappropriate, diversity unfriendly behavior, you send a signal that you are not serious about the rules that have been established.

And if you are not serious about those rules that have been set to create a diversity friendly workplace, why should your employees be serious about them?

With existing employees, you should consistently try to reiterate the purpose for increased diversity in the company and go over the processes to accomplish these goals. With all employees, especially new diversity employees, you should strive to build effective teams that can work together and leverage their cultural differences to the advantage of the company.

To effectively help diversity employees acclimate themselves to your workplace you must find out how your diversity employees are being treated. Try to reinforce positive diversity experiences each time they occur, and take quick corrective action when other employees demonstrate ill will or discriminatory attitudes towards diversity employees.

If you take action in these types of unpleasant situations, your diversity employees will begin to understand your commitment to workplace diversity and see will you as their advocate. In addition, by taking action you will insulate the company from any exposure to liability arising from sexual harassment or workplace discrimination.

Always remember that the best defense is a good offense: with proactive diversity training, a welcoming and exemplary attitude towards workplace diversity, and continual reinforcement among all employees from the highest level of the company, you can create a diversity friendly workplace and effectively shield yourself from any liability that might result from inappropriate actions or attitudes.

Click here to read "How to Make Your Workplace Diversity Friendly- Part One: Create an Atmosphere of Acceptance"