Inclusion & Diversity
"The time is always right to do what is right." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As Human Resource professionals, we have an important role in creating an environment where inclusion and belonging is valued.
The ARSHRM Inclusion & Diversity program’s purpose is to affirm awareness amongst its affiliated chapters and within the state of Arkansas. We are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the integration of inclusion and belonging in our workplaces. By doing so, we will witness strengthened workplaces, enhanced employee productivity and reduced litigation risks.
Inclusion and diversity are essential for creating thriving workplaces and communities. These principles drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure every individual feels valued and empowered.
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.”
Inclusion & Diversity 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
Inclusion & Diversity Update
April 2025 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Calendar Highlights
World Autism Month
This month is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism. It’s an opportunity for organizations to promote neurodiversity in the workplace and foster inclusive environments where all employees can thrive. Consider hosting awareness events, sharing educational resources, or highlighting stories that celebrate the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
Deaf History Month
Deaf History Month celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of the Deaf community. Observed each April, it highlights key milestones such as the founding of the first permanent school for the Deaf in the United States, and honors influential individuals who have advanced the rights and recognition of Deaf people. It’s a time to promote awareness, understanding, and inclusion of Deaf culture in society.
Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month
April is dedicated to recognizing the challenges faced by veterans living with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction. This month is an opportunity to honor their service and raise awareness about the lifelong sacrifices they continue to make. Rally support for these veterans and their families by promoting education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. The Paralyzed Veterans of America, with 34 chapters nationwide, offers critical programs and services to improve quality of life and independence for injured veterans. Join the effort to spread awareness and show gratitude for their resilience and contributions.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. This month encourages conversations about consent, respect, and support for survivors. Organizations can take this opportunity to provide resources, training, and safe spaces for dialogue. By fostering a culture of accountability and empathy, we can help break the silence and create safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month is observed each April to highlight the impact of stress on our mental and physical well-being. It’s an opportunity to promote healthy coping strategies, encourage open conversations about mental health, and foster supportive workplace environments. Organizations can use this month to share resources, offer wellness programs, and empower employees to prioritize self-care and resilience.
Genocide Awareness Month
Genocide Awareness Month honors the memory of those affected by genocide and raises awareness about the atrocities committed throughout history—including the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Armenian Genocide, and others. This month encourages reflection, education, and action to prevent future atrocities by promoting human rights, tolerance, and global understanding. It is a time to stand against hate, honor the resilience of survivors, and commit to building a more just and compassionate world.
Financial Literacy Month
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to promote the importance of financial education and empower individuals to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It encourages individuals and organizations to share resources and tools that help improve financial literacy, ultimately fostering financial well-being for all.
National Volunteer Month
This month celebrates the impact of volunteers and encourages communities and organizations to engage in volunteer opportunities. It’s a great time for organizations to promote corporate social responsibility and the importance of giving back.
Scottish-American Month
April is Scottish-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich traditions, history, and contributions of Scottish Americans to society. This month, explore the lasting impact of Scottish culture in the U.S.—from innovations and leadership to music, dance, and folklore. Tartan Day, observed on April 6th, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, a symbol of Scottish independence and pride. Many communities also celebrate with Highland games, featuring events like the caber toss, hammer throw, and tug-of-war. Embracing Scottish heritage this month helps promote cultural understanding and the appreciation of diverse backgrounds.
National Arab American Heritage Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. From the arts and sciences to public service and business, Arab Americans have played a vital role in shaping American society. This month offers an opportunity to recognize their diverse heritage, challenge stereotypes, and foster greater cultural understanding in our communities and workplaces.
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism around the globe. It's a time to celebrate neurodiversity, support autistic individuals, and encourage inclusive practices in our communities and workplaces.
April 5 - Gold Star Spouses Day honors the surviving spouses of military service members who lost their lives in service to our nation. It’s a time to recognize their strength, sacrifice, and enduring connection to the military community.
April 9 - International Day of Pink is a global event aimed at raising awareness and taking a stand against bullying, discrimination, and homophobia. It encourages individuals to wear pink as a symbol of support for LGBTQ+ rights and to promote inclusivity, kindness, and respect in all communities.
April 10 – Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, who is revered for his teachings on non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. This important day in the Jain community is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and reflections on the principles of compassion and respect for all living beings.
April 12-20 – Passover (Jewish) is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday is observed with a special meal called the Seder, where the story of the Exodus is retold, and symbolic foods are eaten. It’s a time for reflection, family, and the celebration of freedom and deliverance.
April 12 –The Memorial of Jesus’ Death (Jehovah’s Witness) is a significant observance for Jehovah's Witnesses, commemorating the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It is marked by a solemn gathering where participants reflect on Jesus' teachings, sacrifice, and the promise of salvation, focusing on the importance of living in accordance with his example.
April 14 – Vaisakhi (Sikh, Hindu) is a significant festival for both Sikhs and Hindus, celebrated in mid-April. For Sikhs, it marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, a day that symbolizes unity, strength, and devotion. For Hindus, it celebrates the harvest season and the start of the new year in some regions of India. The festival is marked by prayers, processions, and festive gatherings.
April 20 – Easter (Christian) is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal, and eternal life. It is observed with church services, festive meals, and traditions like Easter egg hunts. The day marks the culmination of the Holy Week and is the most important event in the Christian liturgical calendar.
April 22 - Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet, and it encourages individuals and organizations to take action through activities like tree planting, clean-up events, and advocating for policies that support environmental conservation.
April 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed to promote the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments. This day raises awareness about preventing workplace accidents and illnesses and highlights the need for effective safety standards and employee well-being programs. It serves as a reminder for organizations to prioritize health and safety in their operations.
The ROI of Inclusion: Why Diversity is a Business Imperative
Micah has always believed that true leadership comes from fostering a culture where everyone, regardless of their background or personal challenges, has the opportunity to thrive. As a visually impaired leader with over 25 years of experience, Micah’s success wasn’t based on being a diversity hire, but rather on his proven track record in HR, business partnering, and optimizing performance for Fortune 500 companies. His unique perspective has shaped the way he leads, empowering others to reach their full potential. But it wasn’t just his skills that made him successful—it was the inclusive environment in which he worked that allowed him and his teams to flourish. When organizations prioritize inclusion and diversity, they create the space for leaders like Micah to truly make a difference, driving business results and fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
Embracing inclusion and diversity initiatives is not just a moral imperative but a strategic business advantage. Organizations that prioritize these values experience enhanced employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to improved retention rates. For example, Deloitte research shows that 69% of millennials and Gen Z workers are more likely to stay five or more years with a company that has a diverse workforce. Moreover, companies that invest in return on inclusion initiatives see a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and engagement. Furthermore, organizations that focus on quantifying the ROI of diversity and inclusion see measurable improvements in both employee satisfaction and business performance. Diverse companies are more likely to outperform their peers financially, with top-quartile diverse companies being 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians. By fostering an inclusive environment, HR professionals can drive both employee retention and business success, ensuring a more profitable and sustainable future for their organizations.
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.