Challenging the ethnic pyramid: Golden rules and organisational measures towards a more inclusive work environment

Abstract

Aim: To contribute to knowledge of how healthcare managers can promote connection and ethnic equality among staff in multicultural organisations. Background: The increase in migrant care workers often leads to deskilling, discrimination, communication difficulties and harsher working conditions. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to examine the work experiences of healthcare workers in a strategically selected nursing home unit with minority and majority workers well balanced across positions. Results: Three golden rules were identified: 1) Everyone should take responsibility for the quality of care in the unit. 2) All staff members should engage in all aspects of the care work within scope of practice. 3) Everyone should collaborate and help each other. Organisational measures supporting these norms were also identified. Conclusion: It is possible, by means of golden rules and organisational measures, to foster connection and cooperation among nursing home staff and to promote an inclusive work environment where the workers’ skills and competences are recognised across educational and migration backgrounds. Implications for Nursing Management: Healthcare managers can contribute to challenge the ethnic pyramid often identified in multicultural institutions by implementing diversity-sensitive measures. This may increase the quality of care and the wellbeing of residents.