Diversity in the workplace is multifaceted. We must first discuss what diversity is and why it is important in the workplace, and then we can discuss how diversity exists in different areas of the workplace, before moving on to how it positively impacts the business overall. 

Diversity can have many different definitions. A simple and agreed upon definition is that diversity means to incorporate individuals from all cultures and all walks of life. In some areas, diversity may not necessarily include many different cultural groups due to various limitations, but all workplaces should still strive for a high level of diversity. Diversity is important because it allows for different viewpoints and ideas to be gathered to form a collaboration with unique solutions for problems. It is not possible to get the valuable, wide range of viewpoints generated by a diverse group from any other means. In an article from joshbersin.com, there is significant evidence to support a correlation between diversity and innovation, with more diverse companies being 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their market. 

Diversity in the workplace can take on many forms. In some companies, executive leadership can involve heavy influence from lower-level departments. This would ensure that all parts of a business have a voice, and it would be considered diverse. Diversity could also be represented by culturally diverse management staff. Individuals from different cultures may have differing viewpoints on how to address different management challenges. Another form of diversity may simply be having equal gender representation within a business. Many industries are heavily dominated by a single gender, and they may benefit from more diversity efforts. In the male-dominated industry of cybersecurity, the University of Amsterdam found that equal representation of gender led to improved mutual monitoring and 15% better decision making. Though these are just a few of the ways through which diversity can exist in the workplace, these examples should offer a good insight into the benefits that are provided by diversity.

Promoting diversity in the workplace can lead to numerous benefits for a business. Mckinsey.com found that those companies which most promote gender, racial, or ethnic diversity are more likely to have financial returns that are above national industry medians. There is a very real likelihood that by promoting diversity in the workplace, employees feel more comfortable and happier, ultimately increasing productivity. Businesses that promote diversity not only invite greater inclusiveness in their companies, but also benefit from happier, more productive employees.