DEI initiatives are an essential component of creating more inclusive, welcoming workplaces and removing barriers to advancement faced by historically disadvantaged communities. Lately, however, workplace DEI initiatives have faced a backlash. This backlash, its implications, and how to deal with it were the subject of a presentation by Worksystems' HR & JEDI Manager, Cynthia C., at the recent Oregon Employment & Training Association conference. "Doing justice-driven work within corporate, capitalist structures is really difficult,” Chand-Hopkins said. “The system is not set up to easily allow for more equitable outcomes and there can be a lot of resistance and backlash to trying to reimagine how workplaces operate.” You can read more about Cynthia's presentation here: https://lnkd.in/gKkhv77t ... and you can read more about Worksystems' commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://lnkd.in/gbK_yXCt

I completed this course at the request of Michele Lee Niec and, full disclosure, I intended to let it play in the background and listen while doing other things. However, just a few minutes in, I found this material so interesting and insightful that I stopped to give it my full attention. Considering that this is where we spend approximately 35% of our waking life, I find it imperative that the workplace is a place of belonging for everyone and hope that in the future I can use these concepts to ensure this for my own working environment.  “Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging” by Pat Wadors! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/e5xcYZp2 #diversityinclusion. 

We found that 39% of respondents feel the greatest sense of belonging when their colleagues check in with them, both personally and professionally. This was true across genders and age groups, with checking in being the most popular tactic for establishing a sense of belonging across all generations. By reaching out and acknowledging their employees on a personal level, companies and leaders can significantly enhance the employee experience by making their people feel valued and connected. https://lnkd.in/di-YRQ5u

DE&I Thought of the Day: As we think about Returning Back to Work, we have to consider the employee experience. "Buzzfeed News found that many employees of color were anxious about returning to the office due to subtle racism that often pervades office life. Of the 80 respondents to an informal survey, many said that working remotely provided a reprieve from having to conform to "white corporate culture, hearing colleagues make racist comments, or feeling othered and professionally and socially left out." - SHRM Therefore, it will be extremely important to ensure employers are fostering a culture of inclusion in the workplace. Microaggressions training must occur in preparation to bring employees back to work. To read more about this, click here: Why Many Black Workers Don’t Want to Return to the Office (shrm.org)

Leanne Maskell highlights that we want a neurodiverse workforce and shares practical ideas for how to manage differences Although 55% of organisations believe they have a neuroinclusive culture, research has […] The post What can employers do to create more neuroinclusive workplaces? first appeared on . The post What can employers do to create more neuroinclusive workplaces? appeared first on . Read the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/d2dFZETx

Exclusion can lead to a myriad of emotional and psychological challenges for employees, impacting their well-being and engagement. It's essential for businesses to recognize that addressing these challenges is key to delivering value to their workforce. https://lnkd.in/d3SfTRAR

Check out this Harvard Business Review article on the direction of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Author Laura Morgan Roberts presents such an eloquent perspective on how to improve workplace engagement through creating a safe environment, learning from past failures and allowing space for growth and improvement. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/etwe4hwg #diversityprogramdevelopment #workplaceculture

I'm a bit surprised to see such strong commitment to DEI by employees, and such a low perception of commitment of their employers. Alignment of values and trust have risen to be key aspects of employee engagement, we need to raise the transparency of organizations' commitments to DEI--which can potentially be done via ESG reporting. #betterbizculture

Are you wondering how you can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion at your workplace during the holiday season? This time of year is a great time to get the team together and participate in some fun DEI activities, providing everyone with a place to share their culture and learn about others. Check out this article to learn about some DEI initiatives you can bring to your workplace this holiday season!

These 5 factors actually make workers feel like they belong: “At the end of the day, we all want to feel like we belong at work.” https://bit.ly/3LtyOXW Fast Company #TuesdayTips