If you are super lucky, you love your work. Getting up every day is a thrill and you can’t wait to see what new information the day will bring. However, if you are, unfortunately, like most, you go to work to earn a paycheck. And, hopefully, you have more good days than bad.
If you find yourself “not fitting in” at work, stop and think. Does your company have a Diversity and Inclusion policy that protects you?
Statistics reveal that companies throughout the United States are placing more and more weight on this issue of diversity. They are creating programs to make everyone feel they are an important and valued member of the team. Recognition programs are on the rise. Many employees are finding homes with employers who value the differences they bring to company culture, rather than focusing on how differences can divisive.
On the other hand, there are no shortage of companies that haven’t zeroed in on a commitment to advancing strategies that foster diversity and inclusion. Even if there is a desire to do so, management hasn’t invested the resources, time and talent, to bringing the programs to life.
At Work, Inclusivity Begins at the Top
The Organization CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion “aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The CEO pledge outlines a specific set of actions the signatory CEOs will take to cultivate a trusting environment where all ideas are welcome, and employees feel comfortable and empowered to have discussions about diversity and inclusion.”
Easterseals New Jersey wholeheartedly supports this effort. We recognize that more than 1,600 Chief Executive Officers have signed this pledge, and more companies than ever before are actively making the topics of diversity and inclusion part of their annual meetings and strategies.
One fact coming from the study is that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) was named a top priority for many of the executives. According to Gartner, the importance of the topic appeared to be “1.8 times higher in 2020 than in 2019.” The same study claims there was about an 800 percent rise in online job postings in that time by recruiters who are committed to diversity.
Another survey reports developing, adopting, and encouraging progress in corporate diversity programs was at the top of corporate 2021 priority lists.
When It Comes to Inclusionary Practices, Does Your Company Make the Grade?
It’s hard to raise your hand and admit your company has shrugged off issues of diversity and inclusion this long. We get that. But today is a great day to get started. We’ve all heard (and likely experienced) fallout from the Great Resignation. Turning a blind eye to creating a workplace where all employees feel accepted, respected, and valued isn’t going to do your company any favors in getting positions filled with quality talent.
However, it’s not only about hiring people to create the appearance of diversity and inclusion. It’s about both talking the talk and walking the walk. When your team represents all walks of life and truly seeks input from people who help to foster a diverse culture, you will be at the precipice of something truly amazing. Allowing all members of your team to have a voice, especially when it comes to decision-making strategies and program development, does myriad things. It:
- Invites everyone to have a seat at the table.
- Shows tangible commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Produces ideas from many that a few couldn’t have possibly dreamed up by themselves.
That’s the true value of diversity and inclusion: Understanding that everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. The best ideas come from people who feel valued and encouraged to speak their minds. Creating an inclusionary workplace where no idea is a bad idea, but instead a steppingstone to build on will help to attract the best and brightest talent to your doorstep (or Zoom/Teams screen if you are remote).
Hiring? Find out how you can become a resource for Easterseals New Jersey and help Easterseals’ clients to prepare for the workforce.
Easterseals New Jersey is a tremendous resource for individuals and families with disabilities and special needs. We offer many programs and services that make a profound difference in lives of individuals and their families every day. Please contact Easterseals New Jersey to find out how you can get involved and create positive change.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to
make a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never manage to get nearly anything
done.