Diversity

Diversity, or heterogeneity, within a company involves mixing employees of different ages, sexes, origins, abilities, and experiences. Research shows that heterogeneous firms are better at problem-solving, handling conflicts, responding to new challenges, and working with changes. Diversity in a company increases its profitability. Why is that?

With diversity, professionalism increases within the company. The employees become more efficient, more results-oriented, learn more, develop more, and have more fun, thereby increasing creativity. Why is professionalism increased with diversity?

When a person is employed on the basis of their real skills – and not because they are the same age, sex, nationality, or interest group of the majority in the workplace or of the person doing the hiring – the overall knowledge and experience of the company is increased. In a business where people are employed on professional basis, the risk of nepotism and favoritism is reduced. You do not turn to your ‘buddies’ at work, but to the nearest boss or the person who knows the area where development and problem-solving is required.

So why do more companies not work actively to increase diversity in their businesses?

The media often use the term ‘discrimination,’ which makes you think of prejudice and xenophobia. The truth is that few companies deliberately avoid hiring people born in other countries, promoting women, or hiring homosexuals. It is rather because they tend to employ and promote based on obscure motives, simply because it ‘feels’ a little better with that Swedish-born, 30-year-old man.

But with a thorough mapping of the company’s needs, the setting of criteria for the assignment, and a knowledge on the basis for the employment opportunity, discrimination would automatically be reduced. If the company has done everything right in the recruitment process, it often appears that the person it sought was a person with a completely different experience than what might have been expected at first. Perhaps it is someone much older, much younger, of a different gender or origin, or with quite different experiences altogether.

Diversity Group is working actively to promote diversity. We know the pitfalls, but above all we have the knowledge and networks required to find the most suitable candidate for the job. In close cooperation with our customers, we learn about the company and its needs. With experience, a broad network, and a careful selection process, we find the candidate or candidates who will fit the profile of the requirements of your business.

We know that diversity offers competitive advantages and business benefits!