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Diversity

More than most industries, we work with and serve a very interesting collection of humans. We host people from all over the globe, each with unique expectations based on their own personal histories. What they expect and need from us is influenced by their gender, age, cultural background, professional status and more.

The mixed bag isn’t just being carried by the guest. As we look around us, our associates are highly diverse. Whether you interpret diversity as African-America, female, gay, seniors, ethnic, disabled, Asian-American or any other group other than what’s considered mainstream (white male), we are all present in the hospitality industry. Even our birth order can impact the way we think and behave!

Studies show that our staffs will shift away from what has been “majority” even more in the near future.

• By 2008, women and minorities will represent 70% of the new labor force entrants, and by 2010, 34% of the U.S. workforce will be non-Caucasian.
• By 2010, the U.S. workforce will have an increase of 29% in the 45-64 age group, a 14% increase in the 65+ age group and a 1% decline in the 18-44 age group.
• In the next decade, 75% of new workers will likely be from Asia, while North America and Europe will have 3% of the world’s new labor force.

So we are all different from each other in one way or another. That makes work and life fascinating, interesting and yes, challenging. There are many benefits to a diverse workforce and society at large.

Diversity Benefits Us All

As a group of unique individuals we come together to serve our guests and each other. We have the opportunity to use our wide variety of skills born of our experience. That makes us stronger, smarter and more competitive as we vie for both employees and guests. Our diversity provides us with the empathy to relate to more of our guests. Have a marketing or performance challenge? When the skills and contributions of all associates are included, recognized and valued, we have more minds thinking in exceptional ways working on it.

Get the Benefits

What separates people, managers and organizations that reap these benefits from those who do not? Feelings about other races, cultures, age groups, etc. cannot be magically changed by laws or policies. Relationships can be improved when all of us use the following 3 actions:

• Bring your “company manners” to work. Don’t save them for special occasions.
• Offer to help someone when you can. It softens hearts and changes attitudes.
• Take the high road. Choose to listen, be kind, open-minded and patient.

The goal is to create an environment where work actually enriches each of our lives. Find civility within yourself and awaken it in others. Use every aspect of work to learn, prosper and grow.

d'Orleans Hospitality Training 7001 St. Andrews #317 Columbia, SC 29212 803.781.4824 (tele/fax)