Although over two-thirds of workers think they’re ready for a diverse workplace, Apollo Research Institute’s report “The Great Divide” notes, a quarter of employers report difficulty hiring workers who function well in such settings. But there are ways for workers to get up to speed:

• See your work through a colleague’s viewpoint, to learn how being from a different country, age group or professional background can add new depth to your own career or life. Over half of employers feature programs to attract diverse employees, so you shouldn’t have to look far for a fresh perspective.

• By discussing mutual interests, hobbies and other nonwork subjects with diverse colleagues, you can find common points of interest and build relationships that strengthen teamwork.

• Learn a new language for global versatility. As firms expand overseas, hiring managers will need more workers fluent in Spanish, Chinese or other widely spoken languages.

Learn more at www.apolloresearchinstitute.org.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)