Making A Multicultural Workplace
While the term is used to describe the presence of or support for several ethnic groups, what makes for a multicultural workplace - and what are the benefits?
Australia has one of the highest amounts of foreign-born residents in the world (both in total numbers, and per capita), as well as one of the highest immigration rates in the world. According to recently released figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 30% - or almost one third - of Australians were born overseas.
As a nation, multiculturalism has been woven into the very essence as to what Australia is today. Our cities, suburbs and even rural areas are cultural melting pots, and in turn have encouraged a diverse collection of food, creative pursuits, languages, traditions, and of course, the rise of the multicultural workplace. However, how many of us have stopped to think of the tangible benefits of this, particularly in business?
The Rise Of The Multicultural Workplace
One way or another, with the exception of Indigenous Australians, all of us hail from another land, weaving a unique and rich tapestry that is modern Australian society. As a result, it’s only natural that our diverse cultural backgrounds are reflected in the way we do business.
While the latest Business Index survey from Sensis indicates that 61% of small and medium businesses believe they have a diverse workforce, it’s particularly dominant in the health and community services (83%), hospitality (73%), and manufacturing (67%) sectors. However, it’s important to note that diversity and multiculturalism are not the same thing.
Diversity is defined as the differences between people, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, background or socioeconomic status. It’s a term often used in the realm of human resources, with the focus being to craft policies that cover diversity based quotas or compliance standards in business. In comparison, a truly multicultural workplace takes this acknowledgement one step further, and goes deeper than diversity by shifting the focus to inclusiveness, understanding and mutual respect.
In business, if you’re able to actively pursue a multicultural workplace, then the benefits are vast - for both you as the owner, your team, and of course, your customers. In fact, just a handful of these proven benefits include:
Education - Working with team members from notably different backgrounds increases exposure, understanding and ultimately respect. While your team usually comes from a wide array of cultural backgrounds, it’s also important to remember that so do your customers.
Increased Creativity - A multicultural workplace encourages new ways of approaching old problems. When it comes to stimulating innovation, fresh perspectives are important, and in turn, this helps to keep your business ahead of the pack.
The Work Lunches - Sure, a break room packed full of brownies and biscuits are great - but what about pierogies or Vietnamese coffee? Food has long been known to bring people together, and your team can easily squeeze a trip around the world into their lunch break.
Customer Satisfaction - The more languages that your team speaks, the better you are able to connect and communicate with your clients. It’s also worth noting that you might just attract a whole new customer base with this “add on” value based service approach too.
Workplace Culture - Multiculturalism in the workplace ultimately encourages staff members to be themselves, and to embrace their differences in order to come together as one team. After all, happy staff have long been known to go hand in hand with happy clients.
In essence, a successful multicultural workplace does more than tick boxes or meet quotas. Embracing multiculturalism instead of diversity allows your team to shine, and use their unique viewpoints to contribute to your brand or business in their own way.
The Bonuses Of A Multicultural Workplace
If you’re able to truly both embrace and craft a multicultural workplace, then it’s really only a matter of time before others start paying attention to how your brand or business does so.
Canio Muscillo is many things: a renowned Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Business Advisor, one of the directors of Brisbane’s Muro Accounting, an unashamedly proud Italian, and the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s 2020 “Multicultural Business Person Of The Year”.
The award celebrates the contribution that multicultural businesses and individuals make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience. All funds raised from the award ceremony and dinner go towards the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme, which has supported over 500 recipients since its inception in 2008.
Reflecting on his relatively recent win, Canio takes great pride in the diversity of both his team and his customers, and believes that his multicultural workplace is at the core of what Muro Accounting is all about.
“Although myself and fellow Muro Accounting Director Michele have Italian heritage, the rest of our team quite literally hail from all over the world - and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Combining experience with innovation has been wonderful for our business, and as a result we feel that it keeps us relevant and relatable for both our new and existing clients. There’s far more that brings us all together as opposed to our differences.”
Ultimately, the team at Muro Accounting believe that every business owner is an entrepreneur. However, accounting does not discriminate - finances break down barriers and are not territorial. If you would like to take a deeper look into your finances, please get in touch with us at Muro today to ensure that you’re on the right path for success.