The Importance of Building Cultural Cohesiveness in a Diverse Workplace
Diversity has become a defining feature of modern organizations, which naturally means that cultural heterogeneity in the workplace is more prevalent today than ever before. As per a recent survey, people from diverse backgrounds join and work at organizations for the same purposes as homogenous ones. This phenomenon has had far-reaching implications, making the relationship between diversity and cultural cohesiveness an essential topic of discussion in professional circles. This article will explore why it is essential to have a strong cultural foundation in the workplace and provide tips on how to create and maintain it.
What Is Cultural Cohesiveness?
When an organization has a diverse group of employees, it inherently means that people with different cultural beliefs, values, customs, and languages converge in the same space. Cultural cohesiveness refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that define the organization’s culture.
Cultural cohesiveness plays a crucial role in the success of a business, even though it’s easy to overlook. Informed management practices support harmonious and productive workplaces. Organizations with a shared culture have a greater chance of success because they offer a sense of belonging that helps employees feel more connected to each other and the company.
Why Is Cultural Cohesiveness Important in a Diverse Workplace?
Organizations that prioritize cultural cohesiveness enjoy many benefits, including:
1. Improved Communication and Collaboration
When an organization has a shared culture, its employees are more likely to communicate and collaborate effectively. This means that employees have a better understanding of each other’s communication styles and cultural sensitivities, created more opportunities for teamwork and shared objectives.
2. Increased Productivity
A work environment that fosters a shared culture reduces employee stress or discomfort allowing all workers to be productive. When there is a shared understanding of the organization’s way of doing things, it enhances people’s ability to deal with unexpected challenges and add value to the business.
3. Boosted Employee Retention and Satisfaction Rates
Strong cultural values and shared beliefs create an environment that makes people feel valued and appreciated. It is crucial for retaining employees and ensuring they feel satisfied with their workplace and colleagues.
How to Build Cultural Cohesiveness in a Diverse Workplace
Companies that deem cultural cohesiveness as a valuable component to organizational success should consciously make efforts to create shared values and beliefs. Here are some tips for promoting cultural cohesiveness within your diverse workplace.
1. Encourage Cultural Awareness Training
Cultural awareness training can include informal meetings, workshops, or external speakers to help employees understand and respect each other’s cultural values. Training is key to promoting inclusivity in the workplace and the acceptance of individual identities.
2. Encourage Socialization
Organizations should host social events that recognize shared cultural beliefs and practices. This creates opportunities for employees to bond outside the usual routine of job-related tasks. Successful social events such as food festivals, cultural events, and employee outings help to build relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
3. Be Consistent in Rewarding Employees for Cultural Fit
An organization’s leadership has a fundamental role in cultivating the values that an organization upholds. When an organization rewards employees for being a part of the shared organization’s culture, it reinforces cultural cohesiveness. Employees are more likely to assimilate if they feel that their conformity to the organizational environment is appreciated.
Conclusion
Creating a shared culture that celebrates individual diversity is vital to cultivating cultural cohesiveness within a diverse workplace. Organizations that promote collaboration, communication, and socialization can create an environment where all employees feel valued. This helps increase job satisfaction and retention, along with a more productive and successful organization that people are proud to be a contribution to.
