According to recent research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), diversity training can improve not only workplace morale, but also creativity and productivity. Below explains five ways that diversity improves workplace morale.

Individual Validation
The essence of diversity is about openly recognizing and accepting others. Therefore, when employees are aware and sensitive to each other’s background, people will feel validated and accepted. In addition to this, they will feel comfortable with being able to express themselves and share their opinions and life experiences. As a result, employee’s morale will improve.

Productivity Increase
A workforce that is positively engaged with each other will increase business productivity. A diverse workforce is not only able to efficiently work together, they are able to more effectively meet the needs of their customers. As a result of diversity, employees offer improved benefits to customers, such as language skills, cross-cultural understanding and customized solutions. In addition to this, diversity also offers benefits to B2B relationships. Learn more from places like DiversityInc Best Practices.

Creativity Increase
The more diverse a workforce is, the more creative they can be. For example, a diverse workforce is able to brainstorm and offer more unique solutions. As employees accept and encourage each other to creatively express themselves, management can enjoy a wide array of potential solutions and suggestions. In fact, management can take advantage of new ideas, skills and processes to offer customers improved business solutions.

Community Connections
As communities become more diverse, local business should also become more diverse. That is, companies should reflect and embrace both local and global diversity. As a result, employees will be able to establish relationships and meet the needs of their diverse customers. Having consistent positive interactions with customers is an excellent way to boost employee morale. Showing customers and the community that a company embraces diversity is also excellent advertising.

Employee Satisfaction
Workplace morale is based on individual employee’s satisfaction with work. Therefore, employees who are accepted and encouraged to express their individuality will be more satisfied at work. In fact, employees who feel they are treated fairly and respectfully are much less likely to quit or experience problems at work. Workplace diversity fosters open communication and cooperation, which reduces interpersonal problems at work.

Diversity improves workplace morale through individual validation and increasing productivity and creativity. In addition to this, diversity also improves community connections and employee work satisfaction. Learn more about the competitive advantage of workplace diversity from SHRM.