Motivation and Workplace Diversity

As a manager, the biggest challenge is working with people whose behavior and reactions are embarrassing. Difficulties in establishing relationships at work are often the result of different life experiences, cultures and beliefs.

To build diversity at your workplace, you may contact professional diversity leadership speakers.

In addition, today's workforce comprises at least four different generations (veterans, baby boomers, generation X, and generation Y) and people from many cultures of both genders. Each segment of the workforce today has a different attitude toward work and is motivated by different incentives.

Employees usually want to be productive and appreciated. In general, they want to do a very good job. Most importantly, they want to be recognized for their unique skills and contributions.

Recognition of their work remains the most desirable part of employee compensation, more important than money or job security. Keep this in mind as you consider the following suggestions for dealing with growing diversity in the workplace:

Recognize and celebrate differences

• Ask about each employee's motivator and find out. Don't assume that what motivates baby boomers is what motivates the xer genes.

• Be open to the differences between your employees and your team. Encourage team members to share unique things about them with others and with you.

• Be aware of cultural differences. There are differences in how we perceive eye contact, touch and gestures.

• Pay attention to language differences. Words can have different meanings even in the same language.