Diversity means “having a range of people with various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds and various lifestyles, experience, and interests.”
It is also seen as the ability to appreciate differences.
Diversity in the workplace is referred to as “the range of similarities and differences each individual brings to the workplace.”
Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital refers to diversity as a culture and a lifestyle. A work environment that embraces many cultures, backgrounds, races, heritages and appreciates their differences.
Heritage is extremely important to an individual as it solidifies the origin and future of the individual. It is mostly said that if one knows where they come from, they will be able to see the path leading them to where they will be going. It is important for individuals to know, remember and embrace their roots (along with those of others).
If we all had the same culture, heritage and all-round the same, then where will the learning, the understanding, the different experiences be, basically there will be no rainbow – after all we are the rainbow nation.
As much as it is important to embrace your own culture and heritage, it is also equally important to respect, accept and understand other people’s cultures and heritage. One of the Busamed values is Respect – we recognize and value every person’s ability and maintain their dignity. Respecting other people’s heritage is maintaining their dignity.
Diversity is beautiful, it is colourful – like the rainbow; it creates positivity and opportunity for not only learning channels but also for self-growth.
Busamed prides itself on diversity, not only on employees, but doctors and patients. To commemorate and celebrate our diversity and Heritage the hospital hosted an annual Heritage event on Friday the 23rd September 2022, during which employees managed to do research on different cultures; present dress attire for the cultures; serve the main meal and present a short description on the various cultures.
The event is educational and an important reminder of why we are a rainbow nation. The Sotho Culture – which was presented by our Coffee Shop and Lancet staff came first place, followed by the Afrikaans culture (presented by Medical and Med/Surg Staff) and Venda in third place, which was presented by our Catering and Cleaning departments.
As we close the Heritage Month, we remind everyone that diversity is priceless and important as it makes us who we are. Being different is a pro and not a con.
Happy Heritage Month.
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