Some companies call them diversity programs, others call them inclusion programs, and still more call them engagement programs. Regardless of the name, each initiative must recruit and continue to leverage diverse workers. Recruitment itself is not enough. Everyone in the organization, from the executives in the corner office to the managers, must create an atmosphere that can harness diversity.

Cultural changes within an organization often depend on the executives, but can lower-level employees encourage cultural shifts?

U.S. Census figures are clear: we are a diverse society.  Dr. Romila Singh, Associate Professor of the Lubar School of Business, believes that firms must leverage their diverse talent to increase productivity and engage both customers and employees. Organizations that harness these labor opportunities will achieve competitive advantages.

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Organizational policies that help retain women benefit everyone in the workplace, not just women. So it’s up to leaders across the organization to ensure that the business culture reflects a commitment to diversity. Leaders and managers must promote a culture of zero tolerance for unsupportive and malevolent behavior.  Failure to hold individuals accountable can quickly erode any organization’s culture.