Six Unique Ways to Support Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
In most workplaces, diversity and
inclusion is best approached with a top-down, bottom-up strategy. While it’s imperious
that D&I efforts are supported by the CEO and actively engages leaders, one
cannot discount the impact of employee involvement. Engaging staff at all
levels is the most effective way to reach critical mass and communicate the
import of diversity and inclusion. Often employees are eager to join in the course
but lack the know-how and confidence to take action. It is vital to let
employees know that there are many ways to contribute and support D&I
efforts and does not necessarily require expertise in the field.
This article offers some concrete
tips that are designed to engage employees at all levels within the
organization. For diversity
and inclusion consulting practices to be successful, you also need to
facilitate an inclusive work culture.
How Employees Can Support Diversity
and Inclusion
1. Know the
diversity and inclusion consulting goals and vision of your organization and
its connection to the overall business objectives. Commit to the process by
understanding how diversity impacts your role, and how your role impacts the
success of the diversity initiative.
2. Participate
in employee engagement surveys and respond as openly and honestly as possible. By
conducting talent
and od Consulting finding an internal champion with whom you can
comfortably express concerns and/or elicit advice can be instrumental in
supporting your efforts.
3. Become
culturally competent. Take the time to learn about different cultures, races,
religions and backgrounds represented by your colleagues. Ask your co-workers
to share some of the customs and practices associated with their cultures.
Become familiar with diversity-related terms and apologize and ask for help.
4. Treat
people in a way they wish to be treated rather than the way you wish to be
treated. Common social activities and sexual harassment
at workplace and practices that are comfortable for you may not be
comfortable for everyone. Do not tell offensive jokes that may affect those who
are different from you — even if they are not present at the time. Most prominently,
be respectful always. Diversity and inclusion exists everywhere not just in the
office. Take these diversity ethics into your community and your home.
5. Motivate
positive change in the organization. Be a representative for diversity issues
that are not necessarily your own. Any organization will find it hard to ignore
the powerful voice created when groups representing different diversity dimensions unite.
6. Building
awareness is a first step headed for real change. Teach employees by helping
them to understand how individuals are impacted by unconscious bias, and
what actions continue to reinforce unconscious bias. One way to create
awareness and address unconscious bias is to encourage every employee to
review, question and analyze their own personal potential biases and
assumptions.
Comments
Post a Comment