There's a new kind of diversity in the business world that you may not have heard about, and it's all about education, according to an expert on how companies work.
Mike Rowe, the trend-watching talk show host who specializes in promoting skilled trades and helping people understand training and the needs of the workplace, said recently that the demands of many jobs these days require too many credentials and proof of learning (such as college degrees), and the time has come for getting more skilled workers into the workplace.
But there are other factors, according to business strategist Meridith Elliott Powell, who says businesses are learning that true diversity in the workplace should include specific training and recognition of talent, plus understanding of how to develop that talent.
"I think companies are realizing there are a lot of different ways that you can acquire and learn skills," -- college and related study are just two of them.
But there's another extremely important reason for the workforce to begin adapting to not only the needs of employers but the needs of employees, too: it's what Ms. Powell calls the coming "Silver Tsunami."
"In the next three years more than four million people a year will turn the age of 65," retirement age, "and you're going to see a mass exodus from the workforce."
And then there are the new demands of Gen Z and other younger workers who are more demanding and selective about their participation in the workforce, making it even harder to find talented, skilled workers.
"We're starting to see the younger generation not be as committed to getting into college, they seem to want to get into the workforce," Powell said.
And there's always the possibility that the staggering cost and yearly price increases of college classes are driving many people away from interest in earning degrees, she added.