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Diversity and Rights in the Workplace
Instructional Handout
“The term DIVERSITY refers to the many factors that make people different. Diversity involves
respecting people’s differences. When diversity is supported, everyone is allowed to maintain his/her
individuality. People are not forced to change how they live, speak, look, or think so as to be more like the
majority.
Cultural Heritage determines what beliefs, learned behaviors, and language pass through the
generations to each individual. The Five Largest Racial/Ethnic Groups in the US are:
 Native Americans
 European Americans
 Asian Americans
 African Americans
 Hispanic Americans
Language diversity often causes employees, employers, and customers to misunderstand one another.
Different languages in the workplace are a growing issue.
Religions often cause conflict due to “off-time” issues related to specific religious events of a
particular religion.
Regarding age, the number of working older Americans is increasing rapidly with a 55% increase since
1975. While older workers can bring valuable insight, experience, and dependable work habits to the
workplace, if they don’t update their skills, they will have difficulty holding/seeking employment.
Eight percent of the population is affected by a disability. More disable workers than ever are providing
valuable services to employers/businesses due to changing attitudes and federal law.
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Benefits of Diversity
There are fewer lawsuits.
Morale is high.
Creativity increases.
Productivity increases.
Quality workers are attracted to the organization.
The decision-making process improves.
Decision-making speed improves.
More customers are reached.
Goodwill and positive ties are formed with businesses and government groups.
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Promoting Diversity in the Workplace
Show flexibility.
Examine your assumptions, prejudices, and stereotypes.
Explore different cultures.
Show patience in communicating and understanding.
Admit unfamiliarity of diverse customs along with a willingness to learn more about them.
Show respect for ideas different from your own.
Avoid stereotypical jokes/humor.
See the humanity in every person.
The Law and Discrimination
The Fair Labor Standards Act ensures fair treatment of employees by employers.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids separate pay scales for women and men.
The Civil Rights Act banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or
national origin.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act banned discrimination against workers over 40 years of age.
The Immigration and Reform Act banned discrimination against legal immigrants.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to provide employees with reasonable
accommodations in the workplace environment and prevents discrimination on the basis of disability.
Organizations
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission
Types of Discrimination
Racial
Color
National Origin
Language
Sexual
Religious
Disabilities
Age
Height and Weight
Sexual Orientation
Sexual Harassment