As a HR Grad Student, a trending topic in the HR world is the push for inclusion in the workplace. For years, the meaning of diversity was "color" and "gender" and if the company showed diversity in either way, they would mark themselves "safe" from any complaints or lawsuits.
But oh how times have changed.
Many people don't like to think of diversity is about race, gender, and even ideology, but it goes much deeper than that. Here's a look at some current statistics about those who have been excluded for many years.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, the percentage of people employed with a disability increased from 18.7% (2017) to 19.1% last year (2018). Those whose identify in the LGBTQ community have been offered more opportunities over the years, but we still suffer from African Americans and brown people suffering from opportunity in Corporate America. Also, it is important to understand that all disabilities aren't physical, and how to respectfully differentiate the two. It is time that EVERY qualified person at least be presented an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas within the workplace. A common issue within the workplace is the misconception of diversity, which forces some of us to believe that it doesn't go further than race. A lot of companies hire that "one" person who is suppose to be the "face of diversity" and won't hire anyone else for at least seven to ten years.
What can be done in the future to change this issue?
