Diversity In The Workplace Breaking Barriers And Building Bridges Forb

Leo Migdal

-Dec 5, 2025, 6:54 PM

diversity in the workplace breaking barriers and building bridges forb

Founder and Chief Culture Officer of Ideal Outcomes, Inc. Author of the new book Culture Ignited: 5 Disciplines for Adaptive Leadership. The question of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been all over the news in the last few years and with so much attention, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a primary... Sadly, you’d be sorely mistaken. The trend is going in the wrong direction. A surge of support, especially with regard to racial inequity which spiked after the George Floyd murder, has declined significantly.

A survey of over one thousand firms conducted by Korn Ferry found that "leadership support for DEI initiatives has fallen by 18% in two years; today, one-fifth of companies offer no diversity programming." And the Forrester Predictions 2024 report says funding cuts that have disproportionately hit DEI teams are likely to continue along with the heavy attrition rates among DEI leaders that has already been seen at... Forrester states, “Some companies will default to ‘check the box’ DEI efforts such as heritage days, though DEI-influenced recruiting will continue at leading firms because it’s good for business.” There’s no doubt that DEI remains a controversial subject. Pew Research shows that 78% of Black workers, 72% of Asian workers and 65% of Hispanics say that focusing on DEI at work is a good thing while only 47% of White workers agree... Stay up-to-date on the latest articles, tips, and insights from the team at WGU.

In today’s age of global collaboration, workplace diversity is more than just a buzzword. Promoting, protecting, and celebrating diversity has become a central focus for forward-thinking organizations across industries. Successful businesses recognize diversity not only as a driver of innovation and creativity but also as a fundamental component of employee well-being and team unity. While the value of a diverse workforce is clear, some organizations face barriers that make promoting diversity more complex. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous effort and commitment from business leaders as well as employees. A diverse work environment actively includes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

This type of establishment values many types of diversity, including differences in culture, ethnicity, nationality, gender, and sexual orientation. Diversity goes beyond visible traits; it also encompasses the unique life experiences and perspectives that each person brings to the table. By fostering an inclusive environment that honors and appreciates diversity, organizations can create a culture where every employee feels valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed. The advantages of embracing diversity extend to all areas of an organization. In the human resources department, inclusive policies support equitable hiring practices and help ensure that employees feel respected and acknowledged. Within operations, varied points of view lead to greater innovation and problem-solving.

Teams with varied life experiences and communication styles can also better connect with a wide range of customers and clients, improving customer service and sales. A diverse workforce can even lead to measurable financial gains. One study found that companies with diverse teams produced financial returns that were 33% higher than the industry average. An article published in Psychology Today states that diverse teams are particularly good at generating novel ideas, identifying and addressing incorrect assumptions, and considering a broader range of factors when making plans. This enables organizations to adjust strategies and methods to stay competitive in the increasingly complex business environment. However, it's crucial to note that these benefits don’t automatically arise just by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds.

For the organization to reap the greatest rewards, the work environment must also be inclusive—one where every member feels valued and has a voice. Can you believe it was four years ago now that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) was added as the eighth cooperative credit union principle? I don’t know about you, but it seems like it’s been longer than that, as our movement has always valued the unique differences and qualities of people in our communities. We are in the people business, after all! And that’s not just true of our membership and our communities…it’s also true of our workplaces. As we continue to embrace DEI in new ways throughout our credit unions, we must attempt to break barriers of traditional mindsets and behaviors and, instead, build bridges for greater inclusivity.

In doing so, we need to ask ourselves, what steps can we take to perceive and acknowledge the identities and beliefs of our colleagues through a DEI lens? The outcome of these simple actions will help us create workplaces that are welcoming to everyone. Think back to psychology class for a moment. We’re all familiar with the conscious and subconscious mind, right? These are the two types of “thinking modes” we as people generally operate within. However, even further underneath the conscious and the subconscious lives the unconscious.

It might not seem apparent, but our unconscious mind is a critical aspect of DEI because it’s where our brains store information that we aren’t even aware of, and it’s where unconscious bias can... Unconscious bias refers to biases (made up of beliefs, attitudes or behaviors) that we have no conscious control over. They tend to occur automatically and can be triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations. Without even realizing it, our unconscious bias can influence our own behavior toward others. Unconscious bias can have a negative impact in the workplace. It can infiltrate recruitment practices, hiring decisions, job assignments, training opportunities, promotion choices and performance reviews.

By being aware, though, credit unions can implement a variety of practices and policies to minimize unconscious bias. One way might be through training, where you can conduct sessions with your employees, and especially hiring managers, on these various biases so they have a deeper understanding of what they are and the... Another is showing your commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture. This commitment should be frequently communicated to your team from the C-suite down. Addressing unconscious bias is just one aspect of advancing DEI, but an overall strategy to build a more diverse and inclusive culture proves this is a permanent part of your credit union’s identity. Gender diversity in the workplace is crucial to creating inclusive and successful firms in the quickly changing world of today.

By eliminating barriers and building bridges, organizations can unleash the full potential of women, creating environments where they feel respected, valued, and empowered. Best practices for creating inclusive workplaces, encouraging gender diversity in recruiting and leadership development, cultivating a diverse corporate culture, and resolving structural obstacles to advancement will all be discussed in this piece. By motivating one another, celebrating the variety of women, and exchanging information, encouragement, and support, we can build a more welcoming and equal workplace for all. The Inspire Inclusion theme of International Women's Day 2024 serves as a helpful reminder of how important it is to value and respect women from all backgrounds. We improve the world not only for women but for everyone when we accept variety in all its forms, which includes elements like socioeconomic level, views, cultural heritage, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender... Motivating others to cherish and comprehend women’s inclusion and acknowledge the power derived from various experiences and viewpoints is crucial.

We must celebrate the variety of women in the workplace as a whole in order to promote inclusivity. The intersectionality of women’s identities and experiences is one aspect of this that should be acknowledged and celebrated. The concept of intersectionality recognizes the particular difficulties and prejudice that women encounter when combining their gender identification with other facets of their identities, such as race, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation. Organizations may create settings where all women feel heard, appreciated, and empowered by adopting a comprehensive approach to recognizing women’s diversity. Sharing expertise, encouragement, and support is necessary to establish a welcoming atmosphere where women may flourish. To promote the sharing of ideas and experiences, organizations might launch programs like affinity groups, mentoring programs, and knowledge-sharing websites.

These areas provide women the chance to network, share knowledge, and get support and direction from more experienced workers. We provide a supportive and empowering atmosphere by promoting teamwork and setting up forums where women may candidly express their struggles and accomplishments. In a diverse and interconnected world, building bridges and breaking barriers are essential for fostering collaboration and creating thriving communities. By bridging divides and fostering connections among individuals and groups, communities can leverage diverse perspectives, resources, and talents to address common challenges and achieve shared goals. Say’s Stephen Millan, this article explores the importance of collaboration in community development and highlights strategies for building bridges and breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive and prosperous society. Collaboration in community development involves bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and perspectives to work towards common objectives.

Whether it’s revitalizing a neighborhood, improving access to essential services, or addressing social inequalities, collaborative efforts enable communities to pool resources, share expertise, and leverage collective impact. By fostering partnerships and cooperation among stakeholders, collaboration strengthens social cohesion, builds trust, and promotes sustainable development. Barriers to collaboration in community development can arise from various factors, including: Building bridges in community development involves: Technology can play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration in community development. Digital platforms, online forums, and collaboration tools enable stakeholders to communicate, share information, and coordinate activities in real-time, regardless of geographic location or time constraints.

By leveraging technology, communities can overcome barriers to collaboration and harness the power of collective action to drive positive change. Many leaders claim to want to build and maintain a diverse workforce. However, even with the best intentions, many things can get in the way of creating a truly inclusive workplace culture. These barriers to diversity and inclusion can leave members of underrepresented groups feeling “othered” or even pushed out of their roles. Not only can this cause great psychological harm to those employees, but it can also erode company culture and throw organizations off course from meeting their financial targets. However, according to Gartner researchOpens in a new tab, 75% of organizations with a diverse group of decision-makers will exceed their financial targets.

Inclusive, gender-diverse teams also outperform less inclusive teams by an average of 50%. Read on to better understand how to break down diversity barriers, foster more inclusion, and achieve better business success. In today’s global business environment, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not just buzzwords—they are essential components of a successful, innovative, and competitive organization. A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all its employees, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This comprehensive guide delves into the importance of cultivating diversity and inclusion within the workplace, exploring strategies for breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual... Whether you’re a small business owner, a HR professional, or a team leader seeking to enhance team dynamics and drive performance, understanding how to effectively implement D&I practices is key to unlocking the full...

Join us as we explore actionable steps, best practices, and the undeniable business benefits of embracing diversity and inclusion in your organization. Let’s dive into a topic that’s not just a buzzword but a crucial pillar for any thriving workplace – Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly does that mean?” Well, imagine a workplace that’s as colorful and dynamic as a mosaic, where each piece represents individuals from varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. That’s what we aim for with D&I. At its core, diversity in the workplace means recognizing, embracing, and valuing the differences among people. This includes but isn’t limited to race, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.

Inclusion, on the other hand, is about ensuring everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued for who they are. It’s about creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. So, as we embark on this journey together, remember, embracing diversity and fostering inclusion is not just about meeting a quota or being politically correct. It’s about building a stronger, more creative, and more innovative team. And who doesn’t want that? Let’s get started on making our workplaces as inclusive and diverse as the world around us.

Diversity In The Workplace Breaking Barriers And Building Bridges Forb

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