THE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF AN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE WORKFORCE AT FARSONS ANTOINETTE

Caruana

In the 14 years I have spent at Farsons, I have seen big changes, a rapid transformation at the workplace and within the workforce. And the pace of change grows ever faster!

We have now many more generations at Farsons (some four generations) and colleagues of different ages working together, with different expectations, people from different backgrounds, people from different countries and cultures and colour, people with different abilities, people of various sizes, people of various gender orientation. So much diversity! Our workplace is a reflection of the society and communities we live in. The growing diversity brings a richness that should be respected, managed and optimized. Our diverse team members bring different points of view, different opinions, different experiences – all of which can contribute to an enhanced work environment, more innovation and so much more learning.

Of course this rarely happens naturally or automatically. Being open to diversity requires many of us to shed possible barriers, approaches and attitudes. It requires us to introduce policies and practices related to equality, diversity and inclusion, known as EDI, in the workplace as an essential aspect of good people management. To reap the benefits of EDI, we need to create working environments and cultures, where every individual can feel safe, experience a sense of belonging, and is empowered to achieve his or her full potential. Each of us has a role to play in making this happen. Many countries provide legal protection for several characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. However, an effective management of our growing diversity should go beyond legal compliance. It should seek to take an approach which adds value to Farsons, contributes to the wellbeing and equality of outcomes, and impacts all employees. Together we need to be more aware and conscious of overcoming issues related to accent, age, caring responsibilities, colour, culture, visible and invisible disability, gender identity and expression, mental health, physical appearance, political opinion, pregnancy and maternity/ paternity and family status, as well as socio-economic circumstances – amongst other personal characteristics and experiences. This is no mean feat. Effective management and practices need to overcome many hurdles. However, more empathy, more understanding and putting ourselves in the shoes of others will help us to continue to move forward. Diversity recognizes that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognized, respected, valued, promoted and celebrated. Research has shown that diverse workforces are beneficial to decision-making, innovation and problem solving as people bring with them a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. However, it is important to note that just basic tolerance of differences and having a diverse workforce is NOT enough. People need to feel they belong, that they can make a difference, that they can contribute their ideas and viewpoints in a safe manner.

It is in this way that we can all achieve our full potential and make a difference to Farsons. This is what inclusion means. Farsons encourages us to include people in a way that is fair for all, values everyone’s differences, and enables each person to be themselves and achieve their full potential and thrive at work. This is also vital for the sustainability of businesses and economies. We all stand to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring to an organization. No group should be disadvantaged. Together we need to overcome prejudices and biases, and change entrenched negative attitudes that may exist. Being more aware and more respectful is a step in this direction.

Remember: Together Everyone Achieves More … TEAM @ Farsons.