Final answer:
The diversity of the U.S. workforce is beneficial as it enhances innovation, creativity, and sensitivity in a multicultural marketplace. Racial and ethnic diversity is increasing, with the white population projected to decrease to 69% by 2060. This shift is echoed in the workforce, where gender diversity is also evident with more women obtaining higher positions in organizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diversity of the U.S. workforce enhances innovation, creativity, and sensitivity to the multicultural marketplace by blending individuals of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, and physical and mental abilities. The United States has seen an increase in racial and ethnic diversity within its population and labor market. It is projected that by 2060, the composition of white Americans in the population will decrease from 78% in 2012 to 69%, with a substantial rise in the proportion of U.S. citizens of Hispanic background. This shift in demographics is paralleled in the workforce, where diversification is also being driven by women who entered the labor force in the 1970s and 1980s and are now progressing up their organizational hierarchies.
In light of the growing diversity, many organizations are focusing on inclusivity to harness the benefits of a diverse workforce, which includes better problem solving and increased innovation. Workplaces are offering diversity training to help bridge and understand cultural differences, aiming to improve teamwork and reduce prejudice. The business environment today, influenced by globalization and shifts in various factors such as technology and economics, further necessitates the need for diversity to remain competitive and adaptive.