Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As Human Resource professionals, we have an important role in creating an environment where diversity is valued.
We are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the integration of diversity in our workplaces. By doing so, we will witness strengthened workplaces, enhanced employee productivity and reduced litigation risks.
The ARSHRM diversity program’s purpose is to affirm diversity awareness amongst its affiliated chapters and within the state of Arkansas. Each affiliate chapter is responsible for at least one diversity-oriented program per year.
Per the Society for Human Resource Management
“To celebrate diversity is to appreciate and value individual differences. SHRM strives to be the leader in promoting workplace diversity. Although the term is often used to refer to differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation, diversity encompasses an infinite range of individuals’ unique characteristics and experiences, including communication styles, physical characteristics such as height and weight, speed of learning and comprehension.”
Diversity Equity and Inclusion News
Dealing with diversity in the workplace means understanding and relating effectively with people who are different from you. The ability for a diverse group of people to build strength and unity through their diversity is the power that propels organizations into new dimensions of performance. Discussions of workplace diversity tend to start with the topics of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Indeed, organizations that want to thrive in the future will need to have employees and managers who are aware of and skilled in dealing with differences along these identity lines.
Another slice of diversity that is not always included in typical diversity discussions, however, is generational diversity. In any large organization, you are bound to find divisions, units, or work teams where five distinct generations are working side by side. Important differences have been identified between these generations in the way they approach work, work/life balance, employee loyalty, authority, and other important issues. For those reasons, an individual’s age is one of the most common predictors of differences in attitudes and behaviors. Different communication styles and work habits can create misunderstandings between coworkers, leading to conflict and disengagement.
These tips will help to create common ground among generations, but organizations are encouraged to develop policies and programs that will help meet each generation’s unique needs and expectations.
Communicate appropriately, gearing messages for generational preferences. Create programs that encourage generations to work together and to share knowledge. Build diverse teams of all ages, genders, and cultures. These teams will learn to value and trust each other. Encourage leaders at all levels to be flexible in their management styles. Some generations want hands-off leaders, others want a more involved management style.
Articles: A collection of articles on diversity and inclusion topics from leading business publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company.
How to manage a multigeneration workforce
Communicating with a multigenerational workforce
Diversity & Inclusion Update
January Diversity
National Blood Donor Month
January is a time to acknowledge those who donate blood or who pledge to. It is a great time to schedule a donation as it is usually when blood is in short supply. The first National Blood Donor Month occurred in January 1970 after President Richard Nixon proclaimed on December 31, 1969. With only 3% of Americans donating blood despite, and less than 20% of the donations coming from people of color, it’s crucial to encourage more diverse participation. Consider scheduling a donation this month to help save lives.
National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month is an annual designation observed in January. This month, focus on how we can all work together to increase the number of mentors to make sure young people in our communities have dependable people to look up to and follow in their footsteps. NMM celebrates mentoring and the positive effect it can have on young lives. Also, as HR Professionals, we are strongly encouraged to mentor our less-experienced colleagues. Each of us should have a mentor and serve as a mentor to others. It’s a powerful relationship that could have a long-lasting impact on someone’s life, both in and outside the workplace.
Emancipation Proclamation Day – January 1
This day honors the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free in 1863. The proclamation declared freedom for slaves in the Confederacy but didn’t apply to those in Union slave-holding border states. It played an important role in changing American history and jumpstarting the fight toward freedom and equality.
New Year’s Day – January 1
According to the Gregorian calendar, January 1 is among the most celebrated public holidays in the world. A new year is seen as the start of a new beginning. People often look forward to the new year to come, setting resolutions
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11
This day raises awareness and promotes the prevention of these atrocious tragedies. First observed in 2007, National Human Trafficking Day features many government-organized events aimed at educating the general public about the injustices of human trafficking, which can affect people of any race, ethnicity or age. Joining local events or supporting organizations fighting against human trafficking are ways individuals can contribute to this global cause.
Korean American Day – January 13
Honor those of Korean descent today. Learn about the contributions they have made to American history and society in various fields such as business, the military, religion, medicine, the arts and politics. First established in 2005 by President Bush, this day commemorates the arrival of the first group of about 100 Koreans in the United States in 1903. Their contributions have significantly shaped the United States.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20
Celebrated on the third Monday of January, this day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an important figure in the American civil rights movement. It commemorates his tireless efforts to promote equality, fight against racial discrimination and advocate for peaceful change. This day is not only a time for reflection on the progress made in civil rights but also a call to action for continued commitment to Dr. King’s vision of a just and inclusive society.
Final Thoughts
A great way for an employer to show support for any one of these celebrations is to partner with a local nonprofit or community event and give your employees an opportunity to volunteer and represent your company. Community service is a fun way to give back while team building and keeping the employees engaged.
Find more Diversity and Inclusion resources here.
Quick Resources
A leading diversity and inclusion membership organization that provides research, tools, and resources to help organizations create inclusive workplaces.
An organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace through training, certification, and research.
A comprehensive resource hub from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that includes research, case studies, and best practices for creating a more inclusive workplace.
A selection of online courses on diversity and inclusion topics from providers such as LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera.