{"id":3000076995,"date":"2025-01-13T14:29:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T19:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/?p=3000076995"},"modified":"2026-02-13T09:18:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T14:18:53","slug":"why-workplace-diversity-matters-and-how-to-foster-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/workspace-solutions\/why-workplace-diversity-matters-and-how-to-foster-it","title":{"rendered":"Why workplace diversity matters\u2014and how to foster it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to TeamStage<\/a>, 85% of managers focused more on diversity in 2024 than ever before\u2014which is no surprise. Data has shown for years now that diverse teams bring better results, generate more profit, and reach larger pools of customers. More than that, Zoomers, the most diverse generation yet, are on their way to becoming the third most active group of workers<\/a>, shifting the way we view otherness in the workplace. None of this is news to anybody, but what IS new is the approach we want to look at: real inclusion rather than checking numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Janet Stovall, a writer, global speaker, and consultant, explained that \u201cdiversity is a numbers game\u201d while \u201cinclusion is about impact. Companies may mandate diversity, but they have to cultivate inclusion.\u201d With this quote in mind, let\u2019s dig into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is diversity in the workplace?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Say you\u2019re having a drink at an open-space caf\u00e9 at the mall. You\u2019re not checking your phone, but instead, looking around at the people walking by, going about their day. Chances are, you will notice they look and sound different, not only to you but to each other. That is true whether we\u2019re talking about more obvious differences such as age<\/a>, race, and sometimes gender or less obvious ones, like religion, sexual identity, and cultural background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, that depends on where you are in the world, but our increasingly global societies will have you encounter some level of diversity in most places. Now, think of it this way: diversity in the workplace<\/a> should at least<\/em> reflect that which we see around us in our daily lives. As an example, we typically bond with colleagues who are similar to us but often learn the most from those who are different. This is but one of the many benefits of diversity in the workplace. Let\u2019s explore a few others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of inclusion, equity & diversity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. The dreamwork in teamwork<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The idea of working in a team<\/a> is not exactly known for being easy. The members must develop strong communication skills, build trust, and learn collaboration to a tee, all of which are difficult enough. You could argue that a team comprised of people from various backgrounds and lifestyles would have an even harder time pulling that off. However, research on the topic seems to suggest otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to Gitnux<\/a>, diverse teams show more efficient decision-making, registering an 11% higher growth for their companies. The more variety there is in the work environment, the better employees appear to perform. Some of them even find diversity and inclusion in the workplace essential to their own well-being\u2014which brings us to the next point.<\/p>\n\n\n