Diversity in an Organization

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if everyone in an organization was the same gender, religion, culture, and background?

It would work, maybe, but also be pretty boring. Imagine a work environment where new ideas have trouble getting in because everyone sees things from the same angle. We learn not only from books or life or from ourselves but from each other, how we think, celebrate, and make choices, and how our backgrounds shape our thoughts. It is diversity and inclusion that render the work environment in any organization vibrant and innovative. Diversity calls for having a mixture of people with diverse backgrounds, including age, gender, race, culture, religion, and abilities. It is all these different voices combined that render the work environment inclusive and dynamic. An inclusive organization builds growth, innovation, and understanding.

Let us consider the example of Nepal. Diversity is actively encouraged in the government sector. Policy in the civil service demands that 45% of vacancies on open competition be reserved for historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. This is how the places are shared:

• Women: 33%
• Tribal/Adivasi: 27%
• Madhesi: 22%
• Dalit: 9%
• Persons with Disabilities: 5%
• Backward Areas: 4% (specifically, districts like Acham, Kalikot, Jajarkot, etc.)

This policy helps ensure that people of various economic and social classes have an opportunity to serve in civilian positions, bringing new ideas and perceptions to government operations.

Source: https://socialchange.org.np/peace-and-social-cohesion-blog-series/multiculturalism-in-nepal-an-approach-towards-social-cohesion-and-peaceful-society/

Diversity at Nepal Oil Corporation Limited

Working for Nepal Oil Corporation Limited (NOC), I can tell personally to what difference inclusion has brought to our organization. NOC, responsible for import, transport, store, and distribute petroleum products throughout Nepal, makes inclusion and diversity a part of its staff. We have depots and branch offices in all seven provinces, and the diverse staff from these different provinces bring invaluable local knowledge and experience to their roles. This insight is especially important in customer service and logistics, where efficiency and service are enhanced by knowledge of the local environment and culture.

People of different cultures collaborate with each other at our headquarters, situated in Teku, Kathmandu, a mini-society with Nepal's diversity. We learn from one another and about different cultures, religions, and way of life on a day-to-day basis. It is wonderful to see how men and women go about doing things in a different way and how every individual's background contributes to the workplace. There is such beautiful unity in diversity.

Why Inclusion and Diversity Are Important

1. Greater Creativity and Problem-Solving: Diverse people, working together, plan/invent more innovative solutions to problems.
2. Greater Employee Engagement: Employees who feel appreciated work more efficiently and are more committed.
3. Lower Turnover: Belongingness is generated through inclusivity, and staff remain with the same reason.
4. Greater Reputation: Organizations with a good image of diversity and inclusivity draw customers and talent respectful of ethical and inclusive businesses. 
5. Greater Profits: Studies show that culturally diverse groups perform financially better due to higher productivity and innovation.
6. Wider Talent Pool: A diversified recruitment and retention strategy of talent enables companies to hire top-notch professionals from a variety of backgrounds.

Diversity and inclusion are not buzzwords, but the vehicle to create a healthy, vibrant, and resilient work culture. By embracing each other's diverse perspectives, businesses can create a culture of one-ness and shared purpose that drives success. We do not just talk about diversity at NOC; we practice it daily by learning from one another and becoming an improved team.

That's it for today on diversity and my work experiences. I'll pick up the story again in future blogs.

And now, to you: where are you reading this blog from, in what corner of the world? Does your government or employer have an equivalent sort of diversity and inclusion practices, or something completely different? 

Let me know in comments below. I'd love to hear about your experiences!