Diversity in the Work Place

What do we have to do to create and foster a workplace climate where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected? This is a central question in the diversity discussions I have held in ARL libraries. The response centers on becoming more aware that each individual's behavior towards others contributes to the climate or atmosphere. The most common reason offered for why more attention is not paid to these issues is that "we're too busy." To implement a successful diversity program, however, these three practices--welcoming, valuing, and respecting--must receive regular and deliberate attention.

We usually think of welcoming as something that happens when an individual first joins an organization. People need to feel welcomed regularly throughout their employment. Almost everyone wants to be recognized by others and to know that their presence is important to the organization.

Co-workers feel connected when their presence is acknowledged on a regular basis. It is easy to speak only with certain people, those we consider our friends or those with whom we work most closely. Speaking to those we pass in the hall or as we pass by their desk can help others feel welcome.

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Some common words found in the essay are:
Climate Diversity, affirmative action, workplace climate, foster workplace, feel welcome, regular basis, workplace diversity, managing workplace, race gender, managing diversity, valuing respecting--must,
Approximate Word count = 1264
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)