Biographical characteristics such as age, gender, race, and disability are some of the most obvious ways employees differ. Age in the workforce is likely to be an issue of increasing importance during the next decade for many reasons. The stereotypes of older workers as being behind the times, grumpy, and inflexible are changing. Managers often see a number of positive qualities that older workers bring to their jobs, such as experience, judgment, a strong work ethic, and commitment to quality.

Though men may have slightly higher math ability and women slightly higher verbal ability, the differences are fairly small, and there are no consistent male–female differences in problem-solving ability, analytical skills, or learning ability. Race is a controversial issue in society and in organizations.
Laws against race and ethnic discrimination are in effect in many countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Workplace laws protect individuals with disabilities. These laws have resulted in greater acceptance and accommodation of people with physical or mental impairments. In the United States, for instance, the representation of individuals with disabilities in the workforce rapidly increased with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. All of these differences make a difference.