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Multicultural Diversity in a Global Workplace

12/02/2020

Chat with Nish is a series hosted by Nish Parikh, CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Empathy Advocate at Rangam.

“Millennials have a better understanding of humans and have a more empathic view of the world.” — Carin Knoop Speaking with Nish Parikh of Rangam in an online interactive session of “Chat with Nish” on December 2, 2020, Carin-Isabel Knoop, Executive Director of Global Research Group at Harvard Business School, shared her insights on how multicultural diversity shapes the global workplace.

Carin said that the biggest challenge of today’s time is managing the stress of being productive at the job and the mental well-being of individuals and their families. Modern workplaces have unique sets of challenges, and mental health issues are the biggest amongst them, according to her. “Companies are promoting inclusive work environments and mental health awareness more than ever,” Carin highlighted, adding that with diversity and inclusion, we all are becoming more multicultural and mixed. She spoke about focusing on commonalities rather than discussing the differences as it helps to understand other humans better. According to Carin, a mixed culture helps to explore various thoughts and perspectives. Understanding brings empathy. And without empathy, there is no equity.

“The pandemic has shown a significant shift in mindset,” she noted. Carin said organizations are rethinking and resetting their goals to grab great opportunities and some silver linings. “Awareness and acceptance can help individuals with neurodiversity to fit in the multicultural workplace,” she stated. Carin suggested that to embrace neurodiversity in the workforce, managers need to educate their teams to build a better workplace. Organizations should focus on bridging the gap to make things happen by customizing processes and implementing best practices. According to her, culture is the biggest driver of businesses globally.

About Carin-Isabel Knoop: Carin-Isabel Knoop is the Executive Director of the Global Research Group / Case Research & Writing Group at Harvard Business School, supporting faculty research and the development of about one-third of the School’s case study output and other types of research.

She is a published researcher and co-author of the book Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace, published last year. School cases to promote diversity of thought, adaptability, and human sustainability at work (recent book provides managers with tools for Compassionate Management of Mental Health Issues in the Modern Workplace).

About ‘Chat with Nish’: Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, Nish chats with thought leaders about how they are contributing to empathy in the workplace, employment for everyone, and innovation.

These 30-minute conversations explore the incredible contributions being made through empathy that are shaping a novel way to work for all. Join us every Wednesday to spread innovative thoughts, compassion, and empathy!

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