Defining DEI—In health care, diversity, equity, and inclusion is about the make-up of the workforce and in health care, this can also include patients.  When thinking of patients, this means that patients and associates have a voice in giving and receiving high quality care. If a workforce is diverse, people of all backgrounds feel equally involved and supported at work.  Diversity means that all areas of human difference are represented, visible and have a voice in the organization. If there is inclusion and belonging, then every member feels like a member of the larger community and that they have an equal ability to succeed or thrive in the community. 

We reviewed some thoughts about diversity, and it is from an article by Provo College.  Increased diversity can lead to cultural competency and the ability of healthcare providers to offer services that meet the unique social, cultural, and linguistic needs of their patients. In short, the better a patient is represented and understood, the better they can be treated.

Provo College reports that “research has shown that if diverse patients see themselves within the healthcare workforce, they are more likely to trust their healthcare provider. They are also better able to communicate their condition, more likely to understand and follow their prescribed treatment, and more satisfied with their healthcare.”

As one could expect, there are many benefits to diversity in healthcare. (From Provo College)

 These include:

Higher Employee Morale

Diversity creates a stronger feeling of inclusion and community for healthcare workers, which makes the workplace feel safer and more enjoyable. Surveys show that more than 3 out of 4 workers prefer diverse companies.

Better Care for Diverse Populations

Healthcare staff should be as diverse, if not more diverse, than the patient base they are treating. This helps ensure that no matter who walks through the door, there is someone on staff who can identify with them, communicate with them, and better serve their individual needs.

Higher Employee Retention

This goes hand-in-hand with improved morale. The happier and safer healthcare workers feel in the workplace, the longer they will stay.

Better Recruitment

A commitment to diversity helps when recruiting new healthcare workers and administrative staff. It allows you to cast a wider net to attract new talent and it offers a stronger hiring proposition for candidates who may consider working at your hospital or clinic.

Stronger Individual Motivation

When there is a lack of diversity, minority healthcare workers may feel stifled or unable to express their unique talents and personality traits. This is a natural inclination for people when they are more concerned with fitting in as opposed to “being themselves.” That added pressure can lead to increased stress and reduced morale, and it may even inhibit them from speaking up when their perspective is needed most. A diverse work environment sends the message that a worker’s cultural and ethnic background is an advantage that should be respected, if not celebrated.

Better Problem Solving

A wide range of perspectives can lead to more creative solutions when solving problems during an emergency or even during routine patient care. Allowing for new ideas and diverse perspectives can also lead to greater innovation and operational excellence.

Better Results

Diverse healthcare teams get better results, period. The data show us that medical teams who embrace diversity provide better healthcare.

There are many ways to promote diversity in health care and these include:

1. Create a Welcoming Environment

Foster an environment of inclusiveness in every area possible. Make sure that all voices are heard and that all coworkers feel safe to share their perspectives.

2. Address Issues of Bias Quickly and Openly

Often the victims of bias or discrimination are reluctant to come forward themselves for fear of repercussion or other forms of retaliation. Supporting co-workers in these times and reporting cases quickly and transparently is vital to creating a safe working environment for everyone.

3. Encourage Diverse Applicants

Do you know someone who would be a wonderful fit in the healthcare community? Encourage them to pursue their dreams!

4. Diversity for More Than Diversity’s Sake

Always remember, the point of encouraging diversity in your hospital or clinic isn’t to have a diverse hospital or clinic… it’s to have a better hospital or clinic. As explained above, a diverse workforce can provide a rich array of experiences and understanding that can only enhance the patient-care experience and draw more success to your hospital or clinic.

5. Listen

Sometimes the best action you can take to promote diversity and create an open work environment is by simply listening. Listening (without interjecting or suggesting fixes) helps each of us understand new perspectives, opens our minds to unseen needs, and shows co-workers or patients that their opinion matters.

In recruitment efforts, diversity is important and requires focus. Below are some ideas for diversity in recruiting that have been provided by the Society for Human Resource Management. 

• Create inclusive job descriptions and job postings.
• Seek out diverse groups of candidates.
• Help develop future employees.
• Reach out online.
• Seek employee referrals.
• Use diverse hiring teams. 
• Train managers. 

Hire Outcomes HR offers a suite of recruitment support services to over stretched managers in small to medium sized Midwest health care organizations who seek to improve quality, speed and costs to identify, screen, and engage qualified candidates with the emotional intelligence to serve residents and patients with compassion. Hire Outcomes HR focuses on assisting organizations with finding candidates, including diverse candidates, with the right fit to help increase employee engagement and lower turnover.  For more information, go to Hire Outcomes HR – Hiring Solutions for Success

Source: Importance of Diversity in Healthcare & How to Promote It | Provo College  Tips to Improve Diversity Recruiting (shrm.org) Finding Strength in Diversity (shrm.org)