Diversity and the integrated workplace

Diversity is based on a positive attitude to difference which recognises that everyone is different and these differences should be respected and encouraged for the good of the business. Individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and attitudes bring different perspectives and ideas to the organisation. This is a benefit for the organisation as a diverse organisation can draw on the range of experiences and approaches in its strategy to meet the needs of its employees and its customers. The result should be a superior outcome.

A diversity focus tends to be proactive and driven by the organisations need and desire for an integrated workplace. It is concerned with nurturing and developing potential and focuses on the individual. The Irish workforce has changed vastly and rapidly over the last two decades. There has been an increase in the number of dual-career couples and in the participation of women at work, immigration of non-Irish nationals has increased and the workforce is ageing significantly. This along with individual differences in the make-up of workers such as marital or family status, sexual orientation, disability or membership of the travelling community, makes for a very diverse labour force and offers challenges for managing these individuals.

The management of diversity at work focuses at a strategic level on integrating individual differences into the organisation to benefit both the individual and the organisation. It promotes the individuality of employees and the unique qualities they can bring to the organisation seeing difference not as a deficit but as a resource. Ibec support our members in developing competence in this area through the profiling of the importance of the work, facilitating the sharing and practice of ideas, and developing services and resources.