IELTS Reading Practice: Top Strategies for Increasing Workplace Diversity

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer questions accurately within a time limit. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years: workplace diversity. Based on current trends and the frequency of this subject appearing in past exams, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a similar theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage on “Top Strategies For Increasing Workplace Diversity” to sharpen your reading skills and expand your knowledge on this important subject.

Diverse workplace team

Practice Reading Passage

Cultivating Diversity in the Modern Workplace

In today’s globalized business environment, workplace diversity has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical factor for organizational success. Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion not only foster a more innovative and productive work environment but also gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. However, achieving true diversity requires intentional strategies and ongoing commitment. Here are some top strategies for increasing workplace diversity that forward-thinking organizations are implementing.

Firstly, organizations are revamping their recruitment processes to cast a wider net. This involves partnering with diverse professional organizations, attending job fairs at historically diverse institutions, and utilizing job boards that cater to underrepresented groups. Additionally, companies are implementing blind recruitment techniques, where identifying information such as names and addresses are removed from resumes to mitigate unconscious bias in the initial screening process.

Another crucial strategy is the implementation of diversity and inclusion training programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about unconscious biases, promote cultural competence, and foster an inclusive work environment. Such training helps employees understand the value of diversity and equips them with the tools to collaborate effectively in a multicultural setting.

Progressive companies are also focusing on creating mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically designed to support underrepresented groups. These programs pair promising employees from diverse backgrounds with senior leaders who can provide guidance, advocacy, and opportunities for career advancement. This not only helps retain diverse talent but also ensures a more diverse leadership pipeline for the future.

Furthermore, organizations are recognizing the importance of flexible work arrangements in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and job sharing can accommodate various lifestyles and personal responsibilities, making the workplace more accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Lastly, companies are establishing employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups. These voluntary, employee-led groups bring together individuals with shared characteristics or life experiences. ERGs provide a platform for networking, professional development, and cultural celebration, while also serving as a valuable resource for the organization in shaping inclusive policies and practices.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that not only reflects the society we live in but also drives innovation, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and ultimately leads to better business outcomes. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the ability to effectively manage and leverage diversity will undoubtedly become an increasingly critical skill for leaders and organizations alike.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Determine whether the following statements are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.

1. Blind recruitment techniques involve removing all personal information from job applications.
2. Diversity and inclusion training programs are mandatory for all employees in most companies.
3. Mentorship programs are exclusively designed for entry-level employees from diverse backgrounds.
4. Flexible work arrangements are primarily implemented to accommodate employees with disabilities.
5. Employee resource groups are always led by senior management.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

6. According to the passage, workplace diversity is important because it:
   A) Is a legal requirement for all companies
   B) Improves innovation and productivity
   C) Guarantees higher profits
   D) Eliminates all workplace conflicts

7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy for increasing workplace diversity?
   A) Partnering with diverse professional organizations
   B) Implementing blind recruitment techniques
   C) Offering higher salaries to underrepresented groups
   D) Creating mentorship programs

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-vii) next to questions 8-12.

i. The role of training in promoting inclusivity
ii. The importance of diverse recruitment sources
iii. Fostering community through employee-led groups
iv. The business case for workplace diversity
v. Adapting work structures to accommodate diversity
vi. Leadership development for underrepresented groups
vii. Legal considerations in diversity initiatives

8. Paragraph 2 ____
9. Paragraph 3 ____
10. Paragraph 4 ____
11. Paragraph 5 ____
12. Paragraph 6 ____

Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

13. What type of bias can blind recruitment techniques help to mitigate?
14. What skill does diversity training aim to promote in addition to cultural competence?
15. What do employee resource groups provide a platform for, besides networking and professional development?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. False – The passage states that “identifying information such as names and addresses are removed,” not all personal information.

2. Not Given – The passage doesn’t specify whether these training programs are mandatory or optional.

3. False – The passage mentions these programs pair “promising employees” with senior leaders, not exclusively entry-level employees.

4. Not Given – The passage doesn’t specifically link flexible work arrangements to employees with disabilities.

5. False – The passage explicitly states that ERGs are “employee-led groups.”

6. B – The passage states that diverse companies “foster a more innovative and productive work environment.”

7. C – Offering higher salaries to underrepresented groups is not mentioned as a strategy in the passage.

8. ii – This paragraph discusses diverse recruitment sources.

9. i – This paragraph focuses on diversity and inclusion training programs.

10. vi – This paragraph describes mentorship programs for career advancement.

11. v – This paragraph discusses flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.

12. iii – This paragraph describes employee resource groups.

13. unconscious bias

14. (raise) awareness

15. cultural celebration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking key qualifiers in True/False/Not Given questions. Always check for words like “all,” “always,” or “only” that can change the meaning of a statement.
2. Bringing outside knowledge into your answers. Stick strictly to the information provided in the passage.
3. Misinterpreting the task in Matching Headings questions. Ensure you’re matching the main idea of the paragraph, not just a detail mentioned within it.
4. Exceeding the word limit in Short Answer Questions. Practice answering concisely and accurately.

Key Vocabulary

• Globalized (adjective) /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/: Developed or expanded to operate on a global scale
• Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːsəti/: The state of being diverse; variety
• Inclusion (noun) /ɪnˈkluːʒən/: The action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure
• Unconscious bias (noun phrase) /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ˈbaɪəs/: Prejudices or unsupported judgments in favor of or against one thing, person, or group as compared to another, in a way that is usually considered unfair
• Mentorship (noun) /ˈmentɔːʃɪp/: The guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution
• Affinity groups (noun phrase) /əˈfɪnəti ɡruːps/: Groups of people linked by a common interest or purpose

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions and strategies:

• “Companies are implementing…”
• “Organizations are revamping…”
• “Companies are establishing…”

This tense is used to emphasize that these are current, ongoing efforts in the business world. Practice using this tense to discuss trends and ongoing actions in your own writing and speaking.

Tips for Success in IELTS Reading

1. Practice active reading: Skim the passage quickly first to get a general idea, then read more carefully.
2. Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between different question types.
3. Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
4. Practice identifying main ideas and supporting details in paragraphs.
5. Familiarize yourself with all question types and develop strategies for each.
6. Read widely on various topics to improve your general knowledge and reading speed.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and strategic approach. Keep working on your skills, and you’ll see improvement over time.

For more information on how cultural diversity impacts team performance, check out our article on the impact of cultural diversity in the classroom. Additionally, to understand more about promoting diversity in challenging times, read our piece on how to promote workforce diversity during economic recovery.