Characteristics like religion, sexual orientation and cultural identity illustrate deep-level differences that provide opportunities for workplace diversity as long as discrimination can be overcome. Except for gender and racial differences, few issues are more subject to misconceptions and speculations than the impact of seniority and tenure, meaning time spent in a job, organization, or field. Extensive reviews of the seniority–productivity relationship demonstrate a positive relationship between organizational tenure (i.e., how long an employee has been in his or her organization) and job performance.

Religious and nonreligious people question each other’s belief systems, and people of different religious faiths often conflict. Employers are prohibited by law from discriminating against employees based on religion in many countries. While much has changed, the full acceptance and accommodation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) employees remains a work in progress. Many people carry a strong cultural identity as well, a link with the culture of family ancestry no matter where the individual may live in the world. Cultural norms influence the workplace, sometimes resulting in clashes. Organizations must adapt.