Workforce diversity refers to policies and practices that include people within a workforce who are considered to be, in some way, different from those in the traditional/majority community. Like all workplaces, emergency services benefit from having a diverse workforce.

Demographics have dramatically changed from a decade ago, and today’s workforce is considerably different than in the past. Available talent is now overwhelmingly represented by people from a vast array of backgrounds and life experiences and no longer dominated by a homogenous group of white males.

In recruiting employees, successful companies recognize conformity to the status quo as a distinct disadvantage. In addition to their job-specific abilities, employees are increasingly valued for the unique qualities and perspectives that they can also bring to the table. It is clear that companies that diversify their workforces will have a distinct competitive advantage over those who don’t.

Public Safety Agencies that regularly interact directly with the public find it increasingly important to have the makeup of their workforce reflect the makeup of the population. Diversity may refer to gender balance, or relate to members from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background where English is the second language. Please see the members only CALD Resources also available. Other general areas of diversity may refer to age or religious beliefs.

This area of research and reports looks at workforce diversity and the challenges faced by fire and emergency services agencies. The specific area of diversity amongst volunteers can be found in the volunteering section.