The Effect of Workplace Diversity on Employee Resilience: A Case Study of TMR International Hospital

Abstract

This study examined the effect of workplace diversity on employee resilience at TMR International Hospital in Uganda. Recognizing the growing importance of diversity in building a resilient workforce, this research explored how department diversity, diversity management practices, and workplace culture contribute to employee resilience. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing a quantitative approach through structured questionnaires administered to employees. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25, incorporating correlation and regression analyses to assess the relationships between the study variables. The findings reveal that most socio-demographic factors—including gender, age, education level, region of origin, and tenure—do not significantly impact employee resilience (p > 0.05). However, department diversity emerged as a significant predictor (b = .082, p < .05), suggesting that employees working in diverse departmental settings tend to develop greater adaptability and problem-solving skills. Diversity management practices initially demonstrated a strong positive effect on resilience (b = .681, p < .001), but when workplace culture was introduced in the regression model, its significance diminished (b = .309, p > .05). This suggests that the effectiveness of diversity practices in fostering resilience is largely dependent on a supportive workplace culture. Workplace culture emerged as the strongest predictor of employee resilience (b = .442, p < .01 When all the predictors were included into the regression model, the study concludes that a strong, inclusive workplace culture is essential for translating diversity management efforts into employee resilience. Organizations should prioritize recognition programs, fair advancement opportunities, and diversity-supportive policies to foster resilience. The findings also suggest that diverse recruitment efforts alone do not enhance resilience unless they are accompanied by inclusive onboarding and integration strategies. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying factors affecting the interaction between diversity initiatives and resilience in healthcare setting.