A solid and stable workforce is vital for any organization  because otherwise it becomes a revolving door. Constantly having to replace employees is costly both in time and money and it has a detrimental effect on company morale.

To create a welcoming atmosphere designed to achieve a high level of cultural harmony, there are two important elements: mentoring and diversity training and education both go a long way toward creating an environment where employees feel welcome.

On  the surface, this may seem like an easy task, however, a quick staff assessment on how welcoming your place is might tell a different story.

While there are no right ways to achieve the ideal environment because different organizations have different requirements.  However, one of the many ways is to get your employees involved in creating strategies and establishing initiatives to improve workforce morale and cultural harmony.

Nicola Webb, former general manager, Human Resources Services with city of Surrey, B.C. offers the following suggestions for companies.

  • Try to be flexible. Certain cultures have different requests such as attending  the funeral/wedding of extended relatives/friends. This not always the case among the mainstream North Americans.
  • Be very proactive by celebrating/acknowledging special occasions such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Ramadan, St. Patrick’s Parade, etc.

Create a team of employees from all levels of the company whose main objective is to improve the atmosphere and ensure all employees feel welcome and respected. This may include appreciation days, welcoming committees and recognition for accomplishments as it relates to diversity goals.

This, coupled with mentoring, training and education, and  leaders who  walk the talk. And  demonstrate  appropriate behaviour, which ultimately sets the stage for a high level of employee satisfaction and employee retention.