Workforce Diversity
F
How to Integrate Diversity Into Your Business Strategy “If your business is located in an area where
By Simma Lieberman
or companies to be successful and move ahead of their competition they
need to know how to create environments where all people can be accepted, respec- ted and utilized for the differences they bring to the workplace. Knowing how to do that can enhance productivity and in- crease profit. While some organizations may under-
stand the need to have their employees be representative of its customer base in order to stay competitive, they don’t know how to integrate diversity into the overall busi- ness strategy. They may hire more people of color and women, but don’t address systems and processes for recruitment, and retention, promotion, mentoring and leadership. It’s not enough to talk about diversity, or have a few training sessions without creating a change in the culture of
there is a large Spanish speaking population, it only makes good business sense to have some employees that are bilingual.”
the organization from the top down. Diversity initiatives need to begin with
an assessment of the organization, no mat- ter how big or small, to identify how em- ployees perceive things. Its more than just race, and gender, but includes differences like age, ethnic background, work func- tion, education, sexual orientation and re- ligion. You have to address the diversity of the customer base and determine how well you meet their needs. If your busi- ness is located in an area where there is a large Spanish speaking population, it only
makes good business sense to have some employees that are bilingual. As industries compete for qualified employees at all levels, in a shrinking labor pool at all levels, no one should be disqualified because of their differences. In order to develop a diversity initiative that can improve productivity and profit, people at all levels need to be educated. It means a commitment to change, not only how the company looks but also how peo- ple treat each other personally and profes- sionally.
Embracing the Distinctive Talents and Perspectives of over 8,500 Employees Worldwide
At Itron, the phrase “Knowledge to Shape Your Future”
describes our mission of empowering our customers to make informed decisions about the distribution and use of energy and water. We rely on talented, energetic and creative people to help our customers realize the benefits of a smarter future.
Interested in lending your individuality to the Itron team?
www.itron.jobs
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The Black E.O.E. Journal
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