Written by Kenji Shimizu
Recently at my family dinner, we had representation from nine distinct nationalities including grandparents, parents, siblings and in-laws. Our conversations included unique perspectives and opinions shaped by our experiences and, as a mixed-race individual, I have always been fascinated by cultural differences and the diverse viewpoints they cause.
In my professional career, it is gratifying to work for an organization such as Paladin that understands that diversity must be an integral part of an organization’s corporate culture if it wants to succeed in today’s socioeconomic climate. Aside from promoting a healthy work environment, here are some real and immediate benefits to diversity in the workplace that Paladin has tapped into:
Increased Creativity & Problem Solving:
Employees from different backgrounds bring in a variety of solutions on how to achieve a common goal. As more diverse ideas are suggested, the chances of finding a workable answer are improved. One person may be great at generating exciting, out of the box ideas, another individual may have the necessary experience to execute it; the various strengths of everyone can supplement and/or complement each other.
Increased Productivity:
Employees are more likely to feel comfortable and happy in an environment where inclusivity is a priority. Equality in the workplace is important for encouraging workers from all backgrounds to feel confident in their ability and achieve their best. The higher the team morale, the more productive employees are.
Attract & Retain Talent:
A company that embraces cultural diversity in the workplace would immediately entice a wider pool of candidates for its job vacancies. Naturally, as the number of applicants for each vacancy rises, the chances of finding an exceptional candidate increases too. It can also help with employee retention, as people want to work in an environment that is accepting of all backgrounds and promotes equality.
Service Delivery to Diverse Customers:
A diverse workforce grants a diverse and global perspective – a point of view rich with the incredible nuances of human experience and culture – and that means a greater chance of communicating and expanding to more diverse markets, both at home and abroad. Representing several nationalities within the company can also help to make it more relatable to a wide range of clients and customers.
The strength of the Paladin family is found in the mix of our people that represent all walks of life, their unique perspectives and we utilize this to enrich our employee experience and relationships, as well as the service we deliver to our customers and clients.