THE BUSINESS BENEFITS OF DIVERSITY AWARENESS Management Corner

Imagine a world where everyone and everything looks the same. Everyone dresses and thinks alike and has the same facial features. All buildings look the same and all cars are the same make/model and color. All the food looks and tastes the same wherever you go. The world would be a dull place.

Now, envision the world as we know it with people of different colors, different facial features, different thought processes, different architectural designs, different types of food, and different makes and models of cars. The world is exciting! This is diversity.

Diversity includes, but is not limited to, age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities or qualities, sexual orientation, gender expressions, race, religious status, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences.

“Diversity Awareness” is being aware and respectful of the different characteristics, cultures, and practices of those cultures that are different from our own, and learning that while we have differences, we also have many similarities.

Companies that embrace diversity awareness have employees who communicate more effectively with each other, are happier and build stronger relationships, not to mention improved higher employee morale and engagement.

Why should we all care about diversity and inclusion in the workplace? First, it is the right thing to do. Second, diverse companies are more successful, which means more job security. According to a report from InStride, diverse and inclusive companies outperform their competitors by 35%, are 70% more likely to capture new markets, and are 87% better at making decisions. Companies that embrace diversity enjoy 2.5 times higher cash flow per employee and diverse management increased revenue by 19%. Three in five job seekers and workers prefer to work for a diverse company.

Becoming diversity aware is as simple as holding a conversation with your employees and/or co-workers and sharing information about each other’s culture, families, neighborhoods you grew up in, and the foods of each other’s culture. You will find you have more in common than differences.

Employees who work for companies that embrace diversity feel welcomed and valued and have a sense of belonging. This results in employees being focused on their jobs and giving their best every day. They have the opportunity to learn from other coworkers from different cultures and share their perspectives and traditions. Everyone benefits from a workplace that includes employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Companies enjoy increased revenues and profits and employees share in those profits through job security, bonuses, and raises. Thank goodness for differences!

IN MEMORY: Joe Kinda

Kinda, a Korean War veteran, worked in banking, insurance sales, commercial and industrial sales before purchasing the J.C. Gury Company in 1971. He became a fixture in the alarm and fencing industry for over 50 years. Kinda was affectionately known as “Tradeshow Joe” through the years.

He was responsible for introducing the yard sign concept to the alarm industry in the early 70’s; it’s now a staple in the alarm industry.

Kinda turned the reigns over to his daughter, Mary (Kinda) Cobb, about 10 years ago. She has worked in the J.C. Gury Company for over 40 years and is currently the CEO and president. The company remains a wholly owned family business.