In a time of high unemployment, workplace diversity has not received as much attention as other topics. Yet diversity remains just as important now as in previous years.
In fact, it is an issue of real concern. The current economic climate and rising rate of unemployment has actually highlighted the growing number of under-represented groups in the workforce.
True workplace diversity is more than just having a balanced racial or sexual mix of employees. The concept actually means creating a workplace that respects and includes many different members of the greater community.
Age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, military experience, body size and more are all included under both the broad umbrella of diversity as well as the related topic of equal employment opportunity.
Diversity actually works to make companies stronger by appealing to the greater population of already diverse consumers. For example, according to Sherwood Community Services executive director Michelle Fogus, the disabled and their friends and families represent a trillion-dollar market segment.
Another fast growing segment of the community, due to an aging baby boomer population, includes senior citizens. Businesses that include seniors, the disabled and other under-represented groups in their workforce have a better chance of attracting the market share of that group.
There are other benefits for businesses that embrace diversity as well. Employers may qualify for Work Opportunity Tax Credits if they diversify by hiring from certain groups. These can include Supplemental Security Income recipients, qualified veterans, summer youth employees and more.
Job applicants should make a list of all the things that make them an asset to a company before attending an interview. This includes special experience or knowledge that the potential employee can contribute to the company as well as any benefits the company may accrue from the hire.
WorkSource is a good resource for anyone seeking employment. But it is especially helpful for people from under-represented groups. WorkSource Centers offer training as well as information and technology for job seekers.
This can be especially vital for those such as seniors who suddenly find themselves back in the job market after their retirement savings disappeared. WorkSource can provide these workers with information on the Senior Community Service Employment Program or SCSEP
“We have AARP onsite with programs for the mature worker,” said WorkSource business services manager Sam Virgil.
Younger seniors may also benefit from these programs. Many baby boomers are now finding themselves out of work and competing with younger workers for the same jobs.
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor, unemployment for women age 55 and older went from 2.9 percent in 2007 to 5.4 percent just two months ago. Men over 55 went from 3.3 percent unemployment to 6.7 percent in that same time.
Career re-training, technology training and other services can help these workers to compete. Career tools available at WorkSource can also make landing a new job easier for the older worker.
“People sometimes forget, when you look at age diversity, that it goes both sides of the spectrum,” Virgil said. “There are statistics out there that the youth are going to have a harder time trying to find summer jobs.”
WorkSource now has programs in place that offer summer employment opportunities for youths as well.
Another under-represented group often overlooked by employers is that of the disabled. There are many programs available for disabled workers. WorkSource can provide information for those that qualify.
One local nonprofit that has been working hard to ensure the disabled are represented in the workforce is Sherwood Community Services in Lake Stevens. At no charge to either, Sherwood matches potential employers with a disabled person who is capable of performing the job and wants a job in that field.
According to Sherwood job developer Andrew Urie, it is a task that has been a little more difficult as the job market tightened up. It can be disheartening when the unemployment rate for the disabled in this country currently stands at 63 percent.
Nevertheless, Virgil believes that despite the economic climate, workplace diversity is still a goal for many employers.
“There are definitely systems in place to motivate employers to make those hiring decisions,” Virgil said.
Some companies, he said, will diversify as they are able to re-hire.
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