Assignment: DIVERSITY FORUM

Need 100 word reply to each of the two posts. This is a forum. Here are the questions that they responded to he diversity of the U.S. population has changed significantly over the past decade, and more shifts are expected over the next 20 years. Some examples include: 1) construction firms are employing a large number of Hispanic/Latinos and they must adapt their recruiting, training, and safety practices to reflect this diversity in their workforce; 2) Harley-Davidson increased the number of minority and women managers and workers by 20% over the past decade which has resulted in more African America, Latino, and women customers; 3) long-haul trucking companies are focusing on recruiting and training women to counter an expected shortage of 111,000 drivers by 2014.

Questions for Discussion: Please correspond with at least two members of the class and discuss this subject.

1. What do you think are the major reasons that more organizations are recruiting a diverse workforce?

2. What are some ways that recruiting would be done differently to attract more African Americans? Latinos? Women?

3. What are some ways that training would be done differently for African Americans? Latinos? Women?

POST 1: Our society is continually changing and evolving drastically on various levels. Organizations are mandated by labor laws not to discriminate. Diversity of workforce allows for different cultures, perspectives, and collaboration which would increase productivity, vision, morale, and solutions. When there is an adequate mixture of workforce new ideas and way word thinking can be achieved. Recruiting differently for African Americans, Latinos, and Women could be clearly announcing the position, checking what areas the population is high, and target that demographic. Perhaps offering telecommute, flexible hours, and a good benefit package. From a business side companies also receive financial compensation for veteran, minority, and women owned companies. This could be another marketing strategy used for organizations. Regarding the expected shortage of drivers, we could all become obsolete with the autonomous vehicles and drones that are entering the society. Personally, I believe that training is essential to all organizations to learn the tools required to do the job to the best of the workers' ability. One aspect that I loved about the military were the monthly technical trainings that we implemented for the different departments. It was interesting to learn the different aspects of various individual's position, the employees learn the importance of everyone's job, and that all must work cohesively together to make the mission. Training is so important and should always be continued to seek personal and professional growth. A successful training program will be supported by the company, managers recommend and encourage staff to participate. Employees would be eager if they knew it was allowable and acceptable to pursue. I don't think that training needs to be targeted specifically for anyone's gender or race, it should be available in various formats, like on-hands environment, cross training, internet, simulations, etc. A combination of visual, audio, classroom, informal, that way it can reach out across the board to employees regardless of their learning style or preference. The key would be knowledge transfer and retention. A training and development program could lead to stronger organizational pride, commitment, and longevity which would be less turn over and higher retention.

POST 2:

As a recruiter I try to have a diverse group of people. When you have a diverse group it actually helps increase applicants. When you run a major operation, your goal is to have all your positions filled. If you don't have a diverse work culture you are limited to the applicants. With a diverse group it is appealing to everyone. Thus making my applicant pool larger. It makes it easier to recruit. In fliers that I create I make sure that I show the diversity of the organization I work for. I want everybody to know that no matter your cultural background, race, religion, or beliefs we have a position for you. When I go to recruiting events I always take a male and female paramedic, or EMT with me. I have them talk to potential new applicants. It is a great way for the applicants to talk to them and find out if the stuff that i am saying is really true. I attend recruiting events all over no matter what area, if there are people there, I am there. If they are having trouble getting the education to become an EMT, I try my hardest to have the operation pay for it. I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. Training will be the same as any other training session. If there is any special request we will meet any request as long as it is reasonable. I have a couple of employees that we sent to learn basic English so they could perform their job. It is all about how much a company is willing to invest in a person.