What Diversity means in the Workplace

What does diversity mean?

Diversity refers to the presence and inclusion of a wide range of different characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives within a group, organisation, or society. This can include, but is not limited to, differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political views, education, and cultural backgrounds. Diversity values the unique contributions that individuals from various backgrounds can bring, fostering an environment of respect, acceptance, and collaboration. Broadly speaking, there are four common types of diversity, some which are visible and some which are not.

Internal diversity:

Internal diversity refers to any traits or characteristics someone is born with. This can refer to sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation.

External diversity:

External diversity includes but is not limited to, socioeconomic status, religion, appearance, or location.

Organisational diversity:

Organisational diversity refers to difference in job function, work experience or management level.

Worldview diversity:

Worldview diversity encompasses a broad range of beliefs, political affiliations, culture, and travel experience.

Why diversity is important in the workplace

To create a successful team, skills, productivity, and creativity are essential. However, by bringing people in with different backgrounds, professional experiences and walks of life, teams are thriving in innovation and success through their diversity.

Embracing diversity in the workplace is crucial for fostering innovation, improving decision-making, and attracting top talent. It enhances employee satisfaction and performance, builds a positive company reputation, and aligns with legal and ethical standards. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, organisations can create a more dynamic, successful, and socially responsible workplace.

Examples of diversity in the workplace range from gender diversity, racial diversity, cultural diversity, religion, sexual orientation, disability and many more. Some of the ways we celebrate diversity at Sparta Global include community engagement, inclusive hiring, inclusive communication and EDI initiatives through guest speakers and cultural awareness lunches.

We recently sat down with a few of our colleagues at Sparta Global to discuss what they love about their culture. Watch here .

Purnima Sen, our chief people, and compliance officer, says ‘We believe traditional talent attraction excludes much of the UK’s highest potential people. This is why Sparta Global is bridging the digital skills gap by hiring, training, and developing passionate people from largely underrepresented communities. By removing barriers to entry for those from non-STEM backgrounds and minority groups, we are building a pipeline of future leaders who have diverse thoughts and perspectives that will add significant value to our client partners.’

How is Sparta Global’s hiring process inclusive?

Our job descriptions use inclusive language and terminology to help us attract diverse candidates to apply. Our assessment process then includes a mixture of verbal, written, psychometric, logic and technical test – enabling space for all individuals to thrive, even if neurodiversity’s may restrict their confidence in certain areas. Moreover, Sparta Global’s team of talent coordinators have also completed compulsory training around the use of inclusive language and removing unconscious bias across recruitment.

We have built a Spartan Community that leverages different experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints, encourages creativity and is reflective of today’s increasingly diverse society. We have achieved this through the establishment of internal ED&I networks (including our Women’s Network), ED&I focussed thought leadership events our annual EqualTech report and research, and storytelling – providing a platform for our diverse people to share their stories through blogs, videos, and guest talks.

If you would like to find out more about the ED&I initiatives at Sparta Global click here.