There is no doubt that we now live in one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse societies in the world. Canada s workforce has become a reflection of our ever-changing world and marketplace. It has been shown that companies whose employees mirror society s diversities can proficiently understand and meet the needs of the country s multicultural market. 

Here are three of the main reasons why forward-looking companies are adopting diversity hiring policies:

1.Group problem-solving and productivity:  A workforce consisting of qualified individuals with different genders, race, ethnicity, culture, education, age, lifestyles and abilities are more apt to find creative solutions to difficult problems.  Divergent inputs will often prompt staff to explore diverse point of views. The number of alternative solutions that an organization may be willing to consider and implement will allow that company to successfully anticipate and respond to the needs of a complex market.

2.Connecting with the consumer:  A diverse workforce generates more opportunities to understand and satisfy the needs of a diverse community of consumers. This will create opportunities leading to significant increases in sales and profits.  Organizations who understand their consumer s needs are better equipped to offer the right service and/or product. This translates into improved sales and good relationships with customers and suppliers.

3.Improved public relations: Being known as a company with good hiring practices strengthens a company s image as a solid and caring corporate citizen. In addition, such companies will attract very talented employees. The competition for the best people is intense. By encouraging the participation of qualified people who traditionally have been under-represented in our workforce - persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal people and women, companies will attract qualified candidates who are the key to any business s competitive edge.

Here are some examples on how to diversify your work force:

1. Hire someone with a disability

According to Statistics Canada Some 3,601,000 Canadians have a disability (one in eight), 9.9 percent among working-age adults (15 to 64), and 31.2 percent among seniors 65 to 74 years of age this rate; When employers hire qualified employees with disabilities, they discover untapped skills, talents and enthusiasm.

Employees with disabilities can relate better to customers with disabilities who represent $25 billion in annual aggregate consumer spending according to study published by the Conference Board of Canada

Employees with disabilities can also help companies develop services and products to address the needs of the market.  Companies that hire people with disabilities are also viewed positively by the community at large and are seen acting in a socially responsible manner.

2.  Hire from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds:

Immigration and ethnic diversity are very important characteristics of Canada; there are approximately four million people from visible minorities in Canada. In order to appeal to this diverse consumer population, businesses need to have employees that can get the message out to those groups.  Employees that can understand the factors that impact the diversity purchasing decisions and who can understand the differences in these groups can tap into huge markets.

Employees with different values, cultures, and religious beliefs will better mirror the diverse make-up of the community and customers and will be able to respond to market changes.

Customer Service departments need to have a diversity in employees. This increases the possibility that a customer will get someone who understands their concerns resulting in higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Companies that have the ability to speak different languages have a better opportunity to globalize their business and to tap into hidden markets.

3.  Hire both genders:

Women have proven to impact the bottom line according to a recent Catalyst study; "The Bottom Line: Connecting Corporate Performance and Gender Diversity."    Companies with the highest representation of women in top management positions delivered 35.1 percent more return on equity and 34 percent more total return to shareholders than companies with the lowest representation.

As consumers, women buy or influence at least 80 percent of all household spending.  Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing industry segments in Canada.  Business with women employees should be able to best understand and respond and to appeal to female consumers.  

In conclusion, today, the success and well-being of any business requires a diverse workforce bringing a fresh ideas and perspectives. This will leave the organization well placed to respond innovatively to the demands of Canada s rich and multicultural society and better ensure the ongoing success of the business. It s just common sense.

Samira Belmekki is President and Founder of www.ForHerSuccess.com - Career management center for professional women.  For Her Success.com is an online job board that help leading employers connect with professional women in all fields.   For more information please visit http://www.ForHerSuccess.com.