Equity & Diversity in the Workplace

As Australia is a multicultural society, the prevalence of a diverse range of employees within the workplace is growing. This week’s module was able to explore this topic and provide me with a deeper understanding of diversity in the health care system and stereotypes that can arise from this.

Being a first generation Australian, I am very understanding of how different cultures can be treated by others, especially when they are a minority. It is very common for people who are of different race where English is their second language to be disadvantaged. However, it is important to recognise that employees from different backgrounds are essential to the health care system as they are able to relate to and meet the needs of the multicultural patients that share the same culture as them. For example, Indigenous community may feel more encouraged to use healthcare services when there is Indigenous healthcare workers available to consult. The module highlighted the importance of equal opportunity for target groups, showing that “the skills, experiences, and insights of diverse employees are a potentially valuable resource” (Vohra & Chari, 2015, p.326) to achieve common goals.

This module also taught me about the five stages of culture shock. I have never had to experience being in a foreign place for a long period of time, so it was helpful to unpack the several psychological stages someone goes through when they are in a foreign place.

I found this topic important to learn about for my future career as a Registered Nurse as I will be working with nurses from different ethnicities and races. As it is important to work in a healthy and positive team where everyone gets along, knowing about how different cultures work is essential to maintain harmony in the workplace. Furthermore, having an understanding of the stereotypes for male nurses and migrant nurses can assist me in treating them with respect and equal to everyone else. I also found it important to remember for the future that to achieve an inclusive workplace doesn’t mean that diverse employees are to assimilate to dominant norms, but rather the inclusion of diversity so that they are not disadvantaged or discriminated against in the workplace.

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References:

Vohra, N. & Chari, V. (2015). Inclusive Workplaces: Lessons from Theory and Practice. The Journal for Decision Makers, Vikalpa, Vol. 40, Issue 3. SAGE Publications.