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HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE www.hnmagazine.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
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specially in recent years, companies have begun to emphasize diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. But sometimes, it can be difficult to see the real, tangible benefits that come when we put diversity at the forefront. Whether youre just starting your D&I journey, or you need a reminder of why its important, here are some of the real, tangible ways that diversity and inclusion improve your business:
Serving our communities and being socially responsible
The communities we serve are diverse. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the workforce and the public we serve are growing in the number of women, people with disabilities, people of color and immigrants each year. Currently, 54 million men, women and children have disabilities, but just over one-third of working-age Americans with disabilities are employed. This number is expected to increase by 10 percent a year as our population ages and the number of residents older than 65 doubles by 2050. By that same year, 54 percent of the population will be minorities (any race other than non-Hispanic, single-race whites), and one-third will be of Hispanic ancestry. Diversity and inclusion increase an agencys capacity to serve and protect people with different experiences or backgrounds and enhance its ability to be receptive to different traditions and ideas. Law enforcement officers present a good example of the critical need to have civil servants who look like the people and communities they serve. Indeed, we must maintain a workforce reflective of American society to provide high- quality, responsive and equitable services for the public. Simply stated, it is the right thing for a democratic government to do.
Increasing innovation
Increased creativity is another byproduct of capitalizing on differences. Historically, some of the most creative periods in civilization have emerged when people of different backgrounds have contact and work together. The Renaissance grew in part from the meeting of peoples from the East and the West. Americas energy and inventiveness have been attributed to the diversity of thought born from this nation of immigrants. Many scientific discoveries and inventions have been developed by and
The Tangible Benefits to a D&I Program
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