Diversity in the workplace is essential for any organization to succeed in today’s global economy. A diverse workforce allows companies to tap into a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which in turn can lead to innovative solutions and more successful products. Additionally, having a diverse workforce helps to build and sustain a more equitable workplace, as it increases opportunities for different forms of representation and provides greater access to resources for minority groups.
Amanda Wood, Billing Specialist at Salute Mission Critical and Military Spouse, says, “Diversity of thought is the most important attribute of every high performing team. The way we view situations is formed through our personal and professional experiences and is completely unique to each person. Being able to share our thoughts in a safe environment is key to a healthy and innovative organization.”
As a bonus, being inclusive of individuals from underrepresented groups can impact your bottom line. In fact, a Boston Consulting Group survey of employees in 1,700 companies across the globe found that those with more diverse management teams earn 19 percent more revenue from innovation than their less diverse competitors.
Jacqueline Rivera, Project Manager at Salute Mission Critical, agrees, “As a woman and second English learner – I can agree that a diverse workplace outperforms uniformed and standardized workplaces by increasing opportunities, productivity and creativity.”
Ashley LaPorte, Vice President of Human Resources at EdgeConneX, put it perfectly, “Employees who feel valued are also more motivated, creating a high-performing workplace. Companies can develop a sense of belonging and community amongst their employees by bringing in diversity, such as hiring more women and those with unique experiences, such as veterans. This approach can lead to higher job satisfaction and employees staying at your company long-term. The EdgeConneX team embraces diversity and is honored to continue our long-term partnership with Salute Mission Critical in the coming years.”
Striving to be Consciously Inclusive
At Salute, we have learned that in the harshest conditions, our bonds are established because of shared common values. That values-based philosophy drives greater team performance naturally. Our community is a highly diverse group of people who are creating positive change through different ways of thinking and a greater perspective.
Kimberly Scimone, Account Manager at EdgeConneX and Air Force Veteran, adds, “My military service taught me how to communicate with different types and kinds of people. I learned how to be professional, listen, and have strong attention to detail. I was also able to gain valuable experience in training for my current role at EdgeConneX. When a workplace unites people with different experiences, it’s also bringing fresh ideas to the table. This diversity in thought leads to better problem-solving, improved performance and productivity.”
As we strive to be inclusive and learn, grow and overcome obstacles together, it is important to share the benefits of diversity:
- Increased creativity and innovation: When people from different backgrounds work together, they bring unique perspectives and ideas that can lead to more creative and innovative solutions.
- Improved problem-solving: A diverse team can approach problems from multiple angles, which can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making.
- Enhanced customer understanding: A diverse workforce can better understand and serve a diverse customer base, which can improve customer satisfaction and retention.
- Increased employee engagement and retention: Employees are more likely to feel valued and engaged when they work in an inclusive environment that values diversity. This can lead to increased employee retention and decreased turnover.
- Improved reputation and brand image: A diverse workforce can help a company build a positive reputation and brand image, which can attract new customers and top talent.
Simply put, D&I is a win-win situation for both employers and employees. With that, embracing the changes related to diversity in the workplace will take your business to great heights.
As Rebecca Thigpen, Talent Acquisition Associate at Salute Mission Critical and Military Spouse, puts it, “Diversity is important in the workplace because it brings a wide range of perspectives along with unique ideas and experiences. Without diversity, we become stagnant and don’t grow as a company or personally.”
Diversity in gender, race, culture, religion and other identities can help create a more equitable world where everyone is respected and valued. It also helps to challenge existing systems of oppression and build a more just and equitable society.
As Robyn Theriault, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Salute Mission Critical, says, “Diversity and inclusion allow us to celebrate the differences among us that helps contribute to our success and growth, both as a company and as individuals.”
Ultimately, having a diverse workplace benefits everyone, as it can lead to a more positive work environment, better decision-making, and an increase in overall productivity. We will continue to do our best to be radically inclusive and to learn, grow and overcome any obstacles together.
In the end, it takes companies like yours to make a difference.
As Kellie Dinkelman, Director of Solutions Architecture at EdgeConneX and Army Veteran, explains, “By actively seeking out women and veterans as part of hiring efforts, companies can show that they value diversity, new perspectives and their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. My Army background taught me how to be strong in the face of just about anything and the importance of making quick decisions that must be correct or at least what you strongly believe is correct. All of that has served me well in my EdgeConneX data center career.”
Erin Connor, Project Manager at Iconicx Critical Solutions, also shares, “I have always seen Ruth Bader Ginsburg as such an inspiration. She led with fearlessness and courage. As she declares, ‘We will all profit from a more diverse and inclusive society, understanding, accommodating, even celebrating our differences.‘ To achieve this, imagine all the common goals we could achieve together.”
#BETTERTOGETHER
You can read more amazing military community stories here: