The Benefits Of Multiculturalism In The Workplace
Australia is regarded as the most culturally diverse nation in the world, so how does multiculturalism in the workplace benefit both staff and clients?
According to the latest Business Index survey from Sensis, 61% of small and medium businesses believe they have a diverse workforce. This is particularly dominant in the health and community services (83%), hospitality (73%), and manufacturing (67%) sectors. In conjunction, the 2016 Census showed that over 5 million Aussies reported speaking a language other than English at home.
One way or another, all of us hail from another land with the exception of Indigenous Australians, weaving a unique and rich tapestry that is modern Australian society. It’s only natural that our diverse cultural backgrounds are reflected in the way we do business - so what are the benefits of multiculturalism in the workplace?
Five Benefits Of Multiculturalism In The Workplace
Despite negative rhetorics both abroad and at home, the simple fact of the matter is that immigration contributes significantly to Australia's economy, with income tax alone topping more than $80 billion from recent migrants to the Land Down Under. While multiculturalism is good for the economy, what does it bring to the realms of business?
Education - Working with team members from different ethnicities increases exposure, understanding and ultimately respect. While your team usually comes from radically different cultural backgrounds, it’s important to remember that so do your customers.
Increased Creativity - Multiculturalism in the workplace encourages new ways of approaching old problems. Fresh perspectives are important when it comes to stimulating innovation, which in turn keeps 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 is 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 speak, 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” service 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 go hand in hand with happy clients!
The Bonuses Of Multiculturalism In Business
If you’re able to truly embrace multiculturalism at work, 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, a proud Italian, and the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s “Multicultural Business Person Of The Year” for 2020.
The awards celebrate the contribution that multicultural businesses and individuals make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience. Founded in 2008, 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.
Reflecting on his recent win, Canio takes great pride in the diversity of both his team and his customers, and believes that embracing multiculturalism in the 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.