Most people are always touchy when it comes to issues like race, religion and personal orientation. However understanding this is as relevant as other aspects when it comes to maintaining a healthy workspace.

These factors are what constitute diversity, and being knowledgeable about it, whether as a manager or employee is crucial.     

The manager’s role

Develop a diversity policy

It is important to get diversity in line with the organisation’s mission. This is done through developing policies that work in unison with the ethics and values of the company as defined in the mission statement.

"And then use your policy statement to emphasise the company’s commitment to diversify and recognise the value it brings to the firm,” according to Prudence Mubabaza, the founder of a Bugesera-based agricultural company.

Developing the policy is not enough by itself, advises Mubabaza. "After the diversity policies are developed, incorporate them into employee handbooks, and anywhere accessible to employees to be availed to every employee,” he says.

Offer training

One of the best techniques to help embrace the culture of diversity in your institution according to Bienvenue Muragwa, a career coach and trainer, is holding regular training sessions about diversity at your workplace.  

"Always educate employees on the importance of diversity in the workplace. Doing that shows them that diversity in the workplace can also have a positive impact on a firm’s profits,” he notes.

Employees’ role 

Know your workmates

Try to learn about your workmates, especially the new comers. Talk to them personally, and find out where they are from, advises Muragwa. 

"Be an individual who develops open relationships with your diverse staff. Talk to them positively both in a group and individually,” he adds.

According to Muragwa, if you remain curious, receptive and open to learning about people’s different cultures, you will benefit, and you won’t have any problems with them as long as you know them.

Be professional 

Aly Hirwa, a business man recounts a story of a funny joke that turned into an insult once, at his workplace.

"A former colleague of mine made a joke in a meeting about people who didn’t go through college. I understood that he was trying to be funny, and it really would have been funny had there not been a fair number of people among the staff who hadn’t gone through college,” Hirwa shares.

Be sensitive 

Not everyone has your experience or privileges, Says Hirwa. You need to know your workmates well, and be sensitive to their differences. Don’t assume they ought to get your joke, because people have different perspectives on a range of things, so it’s better to be careful with one’s jokes or opinions.