When it comes to the workplace, people bring many perspectives to the table, based on their backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. While these differences can bring challenges, they also add value and help teams grow stronger together.
Diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s an important element to incorporate when building your team at work. Here are 5 critical benefits of diverse teams that you should know about.
More Creativity and Skills
Bringing people with different backgrounds together means more creativity and a wider set of skills. Everyone has unique strengths, and those from differing backgrounds bring skills and knowledge that your team may be lacking. From problem solving to technical skills, more knowledge and abilities make a more well-rounded team. If your team is currently made up of individuals from similar backgrounds, it can be an adjustment to incorporate new ideas that may feel outside of the box. However, diverse perspectives and skillsets will make your team more effective than it would be without them.
Better Problem Solving
Diverse teams often work more quickly to solve problems through creative solutions. Because each person brings a unique perspective to each situation, the team can see the problem from a variety of angles. This helps everyone work together to find the best solution, taking each detail and concern into account. Those from different backgrounds will catch issues that you wouldn’t have noticed without them.
Increased Open-Mindedness and Empathy
A diverse team, with its variety of backgrounds and experiences, is more open-minded to ideas and more sensitive to issues that would otherwise go un-noticed. Keeping an open mind is an important part of resolving conflicts, receiving feedback, and brainstorming new ideas. Open-mindedness also helps teams stay flexible and positive, allowing people to set aside judgements and biases, and make better decisions as a team. It also allows for increased empathy. People from diverse backgrounds are aware of sensitive issues that you may not have known about, and they can help you gain more understanding for people who are different from you.
Higher Employee Retention
Did you know that diversity in the workplace correlates with employees wanting to stay at their jobs? Many workplaces that embrace diversity find that their employees are happier and less likely to seek out new opportunities. Additionally, a diverse team makes your workplace more welcoming for other diverse people to join as well. This benefits your team by adding to your talent pool as well as bringing more unique ideas and perspectives that will help you navigate future challenges.
How to Deal with Differences
Diversity at the workplace brings many benefits, but there can still be difficulties. It’s important to know how to address and navigate differences among coworkers.
- Listen first: Be open to learning a new perspective from someone who has a different background than you do—give them a safe space to share their ideas and opinions.
- Be respectful: Recognize that each person’s opinion is valid, even if you don’t agree with them.
- Stay aware of personal biases: This takes some introspection; try to remain aware of personal biases you have that are standing in the way of understanding where the other person is coming from.
- Celebrate differences while finding common ground: Remind the other person that their differences are valuable and that you want to be a team, working towards the same goal as them.
Diverse teams have many benefits that can lead companies to greater success. While it might not always be easy for those of different backgrounds to understand each other, learning to celebrate differences and listen to others is crucial for personal growth and expanding your knowledge and empathy. Having diverse team members whom you can learn from and share perspectives with is invaluable and will help your team build more resilience.