There are vast differences in the cultures of the three hospitals that
are merging with Gateway. These differences are in both employee
and patient population and include diversities in religion, race, age,
and socioeconomic backgrounds. The specific needs of the
department based on the review are focused in areas of religion,
ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, age, and race.
Cultural diversity enhances the work place by reducing accidental
disrespect amongst coworkers, it improves communication in the
department, fosters better workplace and social space, and can
improve self awareness (Y Studios — INSIGHTS | Passion | Y Studios —
Why Cultural Awareness Matters and How It Strengthens the Self,
n.d.).
All staff will be required to take ongoing cultural awareness trainings.
It is important for leadership to have the most training in how to
foster cultural awareness in a department and be better equipped to
deal with any issues. The plan for Gateway consists of the following:
• Training videos to learn about diversity. These will cover a
variety of topics such as micro-racism, conscious and
unconscious bias, respect, sensitivity, awareness and prevention
of harassments. Since some of the sites have hearing impaired
staff topics on sensitivity to disability will also be included.
• Interactive sessions with EEO representative. This will include
videos or skits where participants are asked to identify the
various incidents of biased.
• Group activities/role playing scenarios. This will allow
participants to get to know each other and learn about the
various cultures of their colleagues. One idea in particular is
simulated from the school I went to when I lived in Kuwait. Each
year we had a week long celebration called International Week.
All the cultures decorated a room, brought in food and drinks
from their background and showcased with dance, art, music
etc. in a fun and collaborative environment as this school was an
international school and had representation from across the
world.
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