Diversity in the workplace comes in many shapes and forms. It could involve striking a balance between male and female workers, melding several different generations together or creating cohesion amongst multicultural team members. One thing’s for certain, diversity can provide an incredible strength to your property management business, but only if you take the necessary steps to adopt, foster and promote it from within. Here are some proactive things you can do to develop a more diverse and inclusive culture in your organization.
Start from scratch
Creating a workplace that is more diverse begins with and is sustained by the recruiting process. Make sure everyone is aware of and onboard with your property management company’s diversity goals and encourage those in charge of scouting talent to do so with these goals in mind.
Identify, embrace and celebrate differences
What makes people different can add amazing depth to the work performed within your property management company. Understanding these differences and the unique strengths and perspectives that each employee brings to the table will create a culture that breeds innovation.
Expand your networking activities
Just as bringing diverse teams together internally can spark creativity, the networking each individual participates in outside of work can do the same. Spread your wings and discover new areas of interest, either in-person or virtually through online groups or even social media connections. Encourage everyone on your team to do the same.
Create purposeful diverse situations
Don’t just sit back and hope for your different employees to come together. This simply may not happen naturally. Instead, be purposeful about it. Assemble teams that are strategically made up of employees from varying walks of life. For example, pair baby boomers with Millennials, men with women and on-site team members with remote ones.
Make your company a great place to work
Focusing on making your property management organization into a company for which people truly want to work can help naturally attract talented individuals from various backgrounds, skillsets and walks of life. Showcase what makes your firm stand out and why people should consider becoming a part of your team.
Take a stand against discrimination
If there’s one thing that hinders diversity in the workplace it’s discrimination. Set clear expectations from the start by implementing a zero-tolerance policy. Encourage all employees to speak up if they experience or witness such negative behavior and deal with issues swiftly and effectively.
As we move toward the workplace of the future which will span not just gender and race but also age and even geographical location, embracing diversity will become even more important. Start taking the appropriate steps now so you can position your property management organization a step ahead of the game.
