If you have ever worked at a large corporation, you may remember a segment about diversity during your orientation. Most companies allude to diversity in their mission statements, but what good are these without policies to support them? Employers throw the word “diversity” around often, yet many struggle with implementing a diverse workforce and an inclusive company culture.
A diverse workplace is one that includes and is welcoming to employees from all walks of life. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from being discriminated against due to their sex, national origin, race, religion, age, or disability. For a workforce to truly be inclusive, it must be a place where typically marginalized employees can feel comfortable being themselves. If you are concerned about non-inclusive practices at work, these simple suggestions can lead any workplace toward greater diversity, without the need to invest in additional resources.
As the country’s largest private employer, Walmart provides jobs to a full percent of working Americans. It also constantly receives backlash for allegations of employment law violations. From withholding back wages for overtime to nonexempt employees to underpaying women and providing them with few opportunities for advancement, the retail giant does not hold the best reputation as an employer. Most recently, the company has been accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by firing a dedicated employee of 15 years who happens to have Down syndrome.