Diversity Sensitivity

Dorene Fick, LCSWPsychological Health*Roanoke

Advantage EAP

“People need to see that, far frombeing an obstacle, the world’sdiversity of languages, religions andtraditions is a great treasure, affordingus precious opportunities to recognizeourselves in others.”

-Youssou N’Dour, MusicianThe Way I see It #21

– Starbuck’s Cup

What you will learn…

The importance of DiversitySensitivityThe benefits of having Diversityamong employeesHow Diversity can improve customerservice

How well do you Know Yourself?

Where were you born?Where did you grow up and how didthat influence who you are today?Where are your parents from?Grandparents? Great-grandparents?What generation American are you?

Knowing Yourself continued…

How many siblings are in your familyand are you the oldest, youngest,etc.?How did your birth order influencewho you are today?As a child, which adult had a majorinfluence in your life and why?

Knowing yourself continued…

What do you remember most aboutyour favorites holidays and traditionsas you were growing up?What unique qualities andcharacteristics do you possess thatcome from your unique upbringing?What was your most memorableencounter with someone from anotherculture?

Knowing yourself continued…

Describe a time you experiencedprejudice or discrimination.List your hobbies and interests.Describe a risk or a surprise aboutyou that no one can tell by looking atyou.

How Are We Different?

How are we different?

Physical appearances

ClothingHairstylesBody adornmentsHeightWeight

How are we different?

How many of you went outto eat recently?

ChineseMexicanItalianSoul Food

Definition of Diversity The concept of diversity encompasses

acceptance and respect. It meansunderstanding that each individual is uniqueand recognizing our individual differences.These be along the dimensions of race,ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities,religious beliefs, political beliefs, or otherideologies. It is the exploration of thesedifferences in a safe, positive, and nurturingenvironment. It is about understanding eachother and moving beyond simple tolerance toembracing and celebrating the richdimensions of diversity contained within eachindividual.

Definition of Diversity

More Simply put-

Diversity is…

ReligionRaceEthnicityGenderSexual Orientation

How Diversity Affects Us– The Negatives

How Diversity Affects Us– The Negatives

Awareness and Perceptions

StereotypesPrejudicesBiases

How Diversity Affects Us– The NegativesBehavior

DiscriminationProfiling

Valuing Diversity - The Positives

Characteristics of Multi-CulturalOrganizations

Uphold federal and state lawsDiverse group of employeesCapitalize on advantages and minimize barriersIncrease appreciation of diversityEmployee satisfaction

Increases productivityImproves customer servicePromotes teamwork

Valuing Diversity - The Positives

Characteristics of Multi-CulturalOrganizations continued

Customer SatisfactionPromotes loyalty

How to be sensitive to Diversity InGeneral…

Realize your responsibility to be a rolemodel.Refrain from stereotypical commentsWatch your humorLearn about groups you don’t knowaboutGet to know resources that supportminority groups and provide info tomembers of your organization

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

Religion

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

Religion

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

ReligionKnow which religions are represented in yourorganizationsFamiliarize yourself with religious holidays andavoid planning activities on those daysAvoid scheduling events on days consideredthe Sabbath or Holy DaysConsider an inclusive combined holiday party(Kwanzaa/Christmas/Hanukkah/WinterSolstice)

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

Ethnicity/Race

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

Ethnicity/RaceDo not assume cultural similarity inappearance, language, religion andnationalityLearn customs and traditions of culturesoutside of your ownDon’t judge a book

by its cover

How to be sensitive to Diversity?Gender

Avoid sexist language or graphics in publishedmaterialsDiscuss sex role

issues (Do the women always plan and shop for office parties?)

Are activities planned reflecting interests of both sexes?

How to be sensitive to Diversity?

Sexual Orientation10% or more of population is gayAvoid homophobic languageDon’t assume heterosexualityFor social functions, create a culturewhere it is acceptable not to bring a date

Tools for Diversity Sensitivity

Golden Rule -EducationAcceptanceCommunication

Skills

Tools for Diversity Sensitivity

Fair and legitimate concerns in theworkplace

Ability to do the jobLoss of customers and money due tohow an organization’s personnel lookSafety requirementsLoss of good personnel because of biasabout appearance

ConclusionDiversity can…

Improve overall climate in workplaceCreate a sense of inclusionEncourage creativity, flexibility andinnovationChallenge normal organizationalmindsetsPromote teamwork