The benefits of ethnic diversity in the workplace

Kenneth Smit editorial | 20-09-2019

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The Netherlands is a multicultural society. Although not everything is of course perfect, we are perhaps one of the best examples of a well-functioning and tolerant multicultural society. Ethnic diversity is also of great importance for companies. It appears that companies with a multicultural composition of their team achieve higher turnover on average, are more innovative and have more motivated and loyal employees. How could that happen? What are the benefits of ethnic diversity in the workplace?

Increased creativity

People from diverse backgrounds and with various educations look at issues or problems differently. Ethnic diversity therefore ensures an increase in innovation and creativity within your organization. By delving into the perspective of the various cultures within your organization as a company, you can learn and develop yourself faster.

More network, talent and connections

Because people from different cultures often have a large and extensive network within their own ethnic environment, as a company you suddenly have access to a broader network of talent. Both in terms of business relationships and access to talent. Cultures from around the Mediterranean in particular often have stronger social cohesion than Dutch society, which strengthens and improves your access to talent and connections.

Access to new markets

In addition to access to a broader network and more diversity in talent, a multicultural composition of your organization can also provide access to new markets. If your company has ambitions to become internationally active, you will soon discover that approaching a new market can be very difficult if you have limited knowledge of the culture of the country in question and do not really know your way around. Having one or more people on your team from the country in question greatly increases your chance of success.

Improves bonding and culture

People are naturally curious. We like to learn. Whether it's about food or customs, we love to learn from each other. A team that has great ethnic diversity is often much stronger in terms of bonding and culture than a team without great diversity. We know companies where, for example, lunch is cooked every month due to the different cultures within the organization. Stronger team building is almost unimaginable.

Increases drive and loyalty

Employees from another country and culture often bring with them a high degree of drive and loyalty. Especially if they come from far away, they have made a very conscious and often intense choice to come to the Netherlands, for example to improve their future prospects. It turns out that employees with a different ethnic background are often very driven and also loyal to your organization. This in turn has a positive effect on team members with a Dutch background.

It's just great fun!

We can name dozens more benefits of ethnic diversity within your organization. For example, consider the image of your company towards the outside world. This definitely improves if you use a multicultural composition of your team. However, that should never be the main reason. Above all, having a team that is full of different cultures is just great fun! The diverse backgrounds, the stories, learning about each other's culture. It creates a new dynamic in your organization that will certainly benefit the company.

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