Enjoying Diversity in the Workplace

In honor of Stratus being selected as one of the 50 Top Franchises for Minorities, please enjoy this post!  The actual article can be viewed here. Click here for a summary list of the companies selected.
Having a diverse workplace has many, many benefits.  In fact, the United States Office of Employment predicts that 29 percent of the U.S. labor force will be comprised of minorities by 2008. More importantly, it estimates that from 1998 to 2008 some 41 percent of the people entering the U.S. workforce will be minorities.
A culturally diverse office makes the whole office stronger in many different facets.  For companies or organizations that don’t feel that way, they are missing out on a rich cultural integration.  Diversity is essential in creating a successful business model.  Today we deal with a global market and reaching out to people of all backgrounds are vital to continue growing your business.
There are so many advantages to incorporating diversity in the workplace.  Here are just a few of the benefits.

• Increased creativity
• Increased adaptability
• Increased productivity
• New attitudes
• New language skills
• Broader service range
• Variety of viewpoints
• Global understanding
• New processes
• New solutions to difficult problems
• More effective executions

Integrating minorities and members of other cultures only leads to a more productive and profitable workplace.  To fully embrace these benefits, differences must be understood and respected.  Successful organizations recognize this are willing to spend resources on diversity management and incorporating it into the everyday environment.