2.9.22
By Jennifer Jacobus, PHRca, SDEA Director of HR Services
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is more than policies, programs, or headcounts. Employers who recognize and celebrate diversity outperform their competitors by respecting the unique needs, perspectives and potential of all their employees. As a result, diverse and inclusive workplaces earn deeper trust and more commitment from their employees.
Black History month is a perfect opportunity for everyone to reflect; ask ourselves those hard questions such as “Am I doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion?”; “What more can I be doing in both my personal life and my work life to promote diversity and inclusion?”; “Am I an ally to those who I consider different from myself? Am I flexible with differences, do I need to take a closer took at my assumptions and stereotypes; am I respectful with opinions that are different than my own”?
Ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace:
Be aware of unconscious biases
Communicate the importance of managing bias to all employees, train your management team
Promote pay equity which may mean an internal audit of your pay practices
Develop a strategic training program
Acknowledge holidays and observances of all cultures
Mix up your teams and remember its okay if this makes people uncomfortable
If your company is struggling with how to implement diversity and inclusion into your workplace, SDEA can help. We offer training that is specifically customized to your company needs. Whether you are just getting started, you have a DEI team and want to have a fresh viewpoint, or you want to include us as your strategic partner in your DEI efforts, give us a call, invest in your team, 858-505-0024.