As a manager, the barriers faced in my workplace consists of:
Age. Age is a serious barrier that brings conflict in a workplace. The younger worker criticizing the older ones for inability to carry out some heavy and strenuous tasks. On the contrary, the older ones describing younger ones as slackers and not putting in their best on the job.
Mental health. Employees with mental health may face barriers due to lack of understanding from other colleagues, fears and other stereotypes due to discriminations most times are based on assumption about individuals’ traits or abilities based on what people have seen about the person. This could bring harassment, ignorance and discriminatory behaviours from other team members.
However, there are many barriers to diversity and inclusion, but the major ones are prejudice, culture, upbringing and religious beliefs.
Prejudice. It is a preconceived opinion not based on reason or personal experience that creates barriers to recognising equality rights for individuals.
Cultural barriers. Cultural barriers, this can hinder spiritual relationship or dietary needs that do not confirm with traditional expectations.
Religious belief. Religious belief can hinder spiritual relationship because individuals have different religious beliefs and when those religious beliefs were not taken into account and minority of those beliefs marginalised and not acknowledged.
Structural barriers. Structural barriers are when circumstances result to barriers. For instance, access to good education, adequate housing and insufficient income to meet basic needs.
Institutional barriers. This where policies, processes and practices that sustains an organisation excludes some individuals or groups.