Diversity and the Workforce

Workers with disabilities are projected to experience a 10% increase in job growth through the year 2022. This means that more public and corporate policies will be revised to allow greater access to training for workers with disabilities and employers. Also, more companies will use technology and emphasize educating employees about physical and mental disabilities as workplace accommodations are used more often.

In the past, the United States has traditionally been a country with citizens who predominantly practice the Christian faith. However, over the past almost 30 years the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian has significantly decreased - by approximately 12%. Over that same time period, affiliation with other religions overall increased by approximately 25%. The increase in immigrant workers from Asian and Middle Eastern countries means that employers must be prepared to accommodate religious beliefs other than Christianity. Although federal legislation protects employees from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and disability status, many employers have put in place policies of their own to deal with the variety of diversity that is increasingly entering the workforce.

Concept Check

1. How is diversity defined in relation to the workplace?
   
2. What are the components that make up a diverse workplace and workforce?