Changes in today''s work environments include more than new technology, team management, and different work routines. You can also expect to see many new faces. No longer, say the experts, will the workplace be predominantly male or white. By the year 2010, women and minorities will make up 62% of the workforce. Moreover, workers from the ages of 55-64 will increase from 10% of the workforce in 2002 to 14% of the workforce by 2008. As a result of these and other demographic trends, you can count on interacting with many coworkers who differ from you in race, ethnicity, gender, age, and in many other ways. Communicating in this diverse work environment requires new attitudes and skills. Acquiring these new employment skills is certainly worth the effort because of the benefits diversity brings to consumers, work teams, and business organizations. The purpose of this written assignment is to "make a case" for diversity in the workplace. Why does diversity make good business sense? What are the benefits of diversity to a business, its employees, and their customers? Why is learning to cooperate and communicate successfully within a diverse workplace a major priority for all business professionals? You are the Human Resource Manager for AOL/Time Warner. You have been asked to submit a written report to the Board of Directors on the critical importance of diversity to twenty-first century business. As a result of your report, the Board will determine future initiatives relative to diversity within the company. Prepare a four-page written document which explains in specific detail the importance of diversity to your company. Within this written report, use at least three (3) online sources that are documented within the report. In addition, include an interview with at least one business professional who confirms the information you learned online OR provides new information for your report. Every word is critically important in making your point to the Board of Directors. The paper should be typed in double-spaced format and written in "third person."