Differences make us Stronger

“Diversity is our strength” is a simple, yet powerful idea that has been adopted by many organizations over the years. While diversity may seem like a complicated concept, it is quite simple. In the workplace, diversity can be as simple as recognizing that customers have different needs and learning how we can best serve them, or listening to the input of co-workers to develop the best solution possible. Diversity is understanding that differences make us stronger.

“Diversity is taking the different thoughts and ideas of individuals and bringing them together to meet a common goal”. Say Jill Holsted, coordinator-Real Estate Services, based in Harrison general office. As a member of the Diversity Council, Jill has first-hand understanding of how diversity positively influences FedEx Freight regional. “It is great to be part of a company that values the knowledge, skills and talents of all individuals.

Diversity benefits everyone because it creates an open environment of respect where everyone can contribute. There contributions generate ideas and creative solutions that have helped make FedEx Fright regional and FedEx National LTL the industry leaders they are today. This inclusive environment will continue to help us be successful in the future.

An inclusive environment creates opportunities for the talents of all employees to be fully realized. When people feel that they are an important part of the company and they can make a difference in their workplace, employee engagement dramatically improves. Thus, leveraging our diversity to improve employee engagement can increase productivity in the company.

Additionally, the Diversity Council supports employee engagement by boosting morale, encouraging communication and soliciting ideas from co-workers.

Every employee is responsible for diversity, not just Diversity Council members. However, embracing diversity requires an active choice from each of us and each decision you make either builds up or tears down diversity in the company. “When we embrace diversity in the workplace and truly get to know one another, we learn to respect and embrace each others differences. We become a family, and families take care of each other” says Jill.

When you make the choice to support diversity, our company becomes better and stronger-one person at a time.

Article appears in the First Issue of Delivering The Promise.

Jim Pagiamtzis is member of the Diversity Council at FedEx Freight Canada.