In my workplace setting of 14 people, we have no less than five nationalities represented. This is just sample slice of the American workforce today, and it’s growing more diverse every year. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by the year 2050, there will be no minority group, and between 2000 and 2050, immigrants and their children will comprise 83 percent of the growth in the working-age population. This multicultural workforce means that many offices will be tasked with bringing together workers from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
In today’s issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share four ways to incorporate cultural traditions into the workplace, as suggested by editor and writer Ramon Ray.
1. Have A Cultural Potluck. Each member of your team has traditions, whether they are part of holiday celebrations or weekly Sunday dinners. Set time aside on a regular basis to have each employee bring in a dish or meal that represents his or her culture. American workers can bring in food that is unique to their own hometown region of the U.S. This can help workers see that even two people who grew up in the same town could have completely different traditions.
2. Celebrate All Holidays. Christmas decorations have long been a part of office celebrations, but what about holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year? It’s important to keep all holidays in mind as you schedule your annual office parties. While Christmas celebrations are a great tool for boosting moral and building camaraderie, a good compromise may be to make celebrations optional, while also adding in festivities that honor everyone’s beliefs.
3. Be A Role Model. Team leaders should strive to be role models to others in the organization, learning as much as possible about each culture represented to better interact with employees. In some cultures and countries, an action like shaking hands can be viewed completely differently than it typically is in the U.S., and being educated can highlight these differences. When an employer respects an employee’s beliefs and traditions, other employees will follow.
4. Respect Spirituality. Religion and spirituality can be tricky subjects in a business environment, but business leaders can navigate these issues gracefully. Problems occur when one employee feels offended by another person’s spirituality, so it’s important that an employer know how to handle these issues as they arise.
As the workplace becomes more diverse, leaders will be given the responsibility of fostering an environment of respect and tolerance. A culturally diverse workplace benefits everyone, enabling individuals to grow as they learn from each other. When a business brings tradition and culture into the workplace, team members learn to celebrate each other’s differences. This increases productivity and helps with overall morale.
Source: Ramon Ray is an editor and technology evangelist for Smallbiztechnology.com and Smart Hustle Magazine.
