RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Best Practices for Maintaining Diverse Laboratories
JF American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
JO Clin Lab Sci
FD American Society of Chemistry and Laboratory Science
SP 51
OP 54
DO 10.29074/ascls.30.1.51
VO 30
IS 1
A1 Lisa Maness
A1 Janice Conway-Klaassen
YR 2017
UL http://hwmaint.clsjournal.ascls.org/content/30/1/51.abstract
AB Explain why it is important to encourage workplace diversity.Describe programs offered by various organizations that focus on workplace diversity.List three examples of resources suggested by the National Education Association that encourage diversity in education.Describe three examples of 5Ks that are organized annually by groups interested in promoting diversity.Discuss the impact that traveling to various workshops in a variety of regions can have on understanding diverse groups.Civil rights laws have been enacted and updated for over a half century to protect workers of diverse groups. However, rather than relying on laws to force employers and academic leaders to choose fairness, workplaces can take steps to proactively encourage diversity and thereby increase workplace satisfaction and productivity. They can begin by clearly outlining in company handbooks the plan to enforce laws that establish and maintain inclusivity. Universities and employers can take further steps to instill a positive environment by including all employees and students when recognizing holidays and important commemorative occasions. Employers and academic institutions can organize or encourage participation in celebratory walks or runs and it can recommend or require diversity training by its employees or students. Health care facilities, above all, should lead efforts to support diversity in the workplace since health is about humanity as a whole and not about select groups. There are numerous organizations, websites, events, and other ideas that can help universities and employers seeking to better understand diverse populations and to encourage understanding among students and employees.ABBREVIATIONS: CE - Continuing education, NEA - National Education Association