Diversity: It’s more than cultural differences • Human Resources
“Today, diversity in the workplace is encouraged for the experiential capital it builds within organizations, providing new insights and perspectives that enable companies to better serve increasingly diversified markets.” ~ Amanda Salopek
Amanda Salopek, Partner, Salopek & Associates Ltd
74 • April 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com
Amanda Salopek, partner with Salopek & Associates Ltd., agrees that the workforce is much more diverse than it was 20 years ago. Salopek works from the Calgary office of the strategic planning, human resources, and board governance firm. “We see an increased number of women in the workforce, especially in leadership roles, and cultural diversity has increased substantially with skilled workers immigrating to Canada and organizations hiring international employees to work virtually with a team based around the world. The boardroom is no longer an all-boys club. Today, diversity in the workplace is encouraged for the experiential capital it builds within organizations, providing new insights and perspectives that enable companies to better serve increasingly diversified markets.” Like Fries and Giuffre, Salopek sees companies moving to embrace this diversity. “We see organizations going to great lengths not only to accommodate diversity, but also provide a corporate culture that enables an increasingly diversified workforce. Work hours and workspace are looking different as companies realize that the younger generation can be productive working virtually and may not need or want an office. Certain statutory holidays are no longer relevant to some employees, and as such, flexible named holidays are being implemented. Maternity leave has evolved to include paternity leave as more men decide to stay home and look after children while women remain in the workforce. Translators are being brought into the workforce to ensure effective communication and that company information is properly shared.” How has this changed the workplace? Trends that Salopek has seen across organizations include increased flexible work environments that enable employees to work where and when they feel comfortable, a relaxation of policies and procedures to accommodate a variety of work styles, promotion of work/life balance and more personalization of workspaces. Another area that greatly benefits from corporate diversity is social giving. With so many different cultures and personalities in the workplace, more and more companies are encouraging the staff to have a say in corporate giving. Some allow time off for volunteerism. “Leading-edge companies understand that the more diverse your workforce, the more effective and forward thinking your company tends to be, assuming that diversity is well managed,” concludes Salopek. “A diverse team tends to come up with more creative ideas that have been vetted by varying opinions and perspectives, which typically enhances performance.” A quick glance around any workplace shows that diversity is here is to stay, and that is a very good thing for all of us. BiC