Sonoco’s Post

This Black History Month, Ponder Diversity Group invites you to join us in a proud celebration of the incredible impact and power of Black individuals, businesses and communities. Every month is Black History Month for us, as we dedicate ourselves to workplace diversity, supplier diversity, and active community engagement. But this month, we want to amplify our efforts and highlight the extraordinary contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black people. Let's use this time to educate, reflect, and work towards facilitating a more inclusive and equitable world. Support Black-owned businesses. Recognize the accomplishments of Blacks within your organization. Pay Blacks equitably. Assess your company’s inclusion of Blacks at all levels. Develop a diversity plan and roadmap to address inequities. Seek to understand the true meaning and importance of DEI. Together, we can honor the past, empower the present, and shape a brighter, more inclusive future. #CelebrateBlackHistory #Empowerment #Inclusion #PonderDiversityGroup #TakeAction #ChangeMakers

As a global HR leader, I believe it is crucial to use our platform to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of Black History Month and the importance of being an ally. 🎉🔍 Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future 🔍🎉 Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It's a time to celebrate their achievements, resilience, and the progress we have made as a society. But it's also a reminder that there is still work to be done. ✊🏽🌍 Embracing Allyship: A Call to Action 🌍✊🏽 Allyship is about actively supporting and advocating for marginalized communities. It means standing up against racial injustice, fostering inclusivity, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. 🌟🤝 Being an Ally: What Can We Do? 🤝🌟 1️⃣ Educate ourselves: Take the time to learn about the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community. Expand your knowledge and challenge any biases or misconceptions you may have. 2️⃣ Amplify voices: Use your privilege and influence to uplift Black voices, both within and outside the workplace. Encourage diverse perspectives and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard. 3️⃣ Support Black-owned businesses: Promote economic empowerment by consciously supporting and partnering with Black-owned businesses. By doing so, we contribute to a more equitable and inclusive economy. 4️⃣ Foster an inclusive workplace: Create an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm. Implement policies and practices that address systemic barriers and promote equal opportunities for all. 🙌🏾🌈 Together, We Can Make a Difference 🌈🙌🏾 By embracing allyship, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future. Let's celebrate Black History Month not just in February, but every day, by recognizing the achievements, talents, and invaluable contributions of the Black community. 📢🌍 Join me in this important journey of allyship and let's make a positive impact together! 🌍📢 #BlackHistoryMonth #Allyship #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #Equality #Empowerment

🤔 How can we go beyond commemorating history to co-creating an equitable present and future for Black folks in the workplace? This #blackhistorymonth I want more for us. According to Coqual's 2019 study "Being Black in Corporate America" researchers found that due to low representation and little career advancement,  there was a bigger risk of attrition with Black employees being 30% more likely to intend to leave an organization than White employees.   As 1) a Black woman and 2) a #DEI professional I must acknowledge how occasionally hollow this month can feel when there’s only celebration of the past without action to improve Black professionals experiences today. Our work to address racial inequity in the workplace requires long-term action and accountability. Through Janna Allen Hines Consulting I want to support organizations in taking substantive action and co-creating workplaces that uplift and retain Black employees. #diversity #equity #inclusion #DefendDEI #consulting #retention #attrition #deitraining

📣 Happy Juneteenth from The Black HR Society! 🎉 Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in our history. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day represents liberation, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality. As we celebrate, let’s reflect on the significance of freedom and the continued journey toward true equity. Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone but a call to action. It reminds us of the work still needed to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Our Commitment: At The Black HR Society, we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. We believe in the power of representation and the importance of creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued. This Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to: Empower Black Professionals: Providing resources, support, and opportunities for growth. Advocate for Change: Promoting policies and practices that foster inclusion and address systemic inequities. Educate and Raise Awareness: Offering professional development and initiatives to deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Together, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a more equitable future. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #BlackHRSociety #DiversityAndInclusion #EquityMatters #CelebrateJuneteenth

Diversity drives success, and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are the champions of that truth! By promoting inclusion and allyship, ERGs create a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration. These groups bring together unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, fostering a culture where everyone's voice is not just heard, but valued. This enriches our decision-making, sparks creativity, and propels us to new heights. But the impact doesn't stop there. ERGs boost employee engagement, retention, and productivity by building a strong sense of belonging. They attract top talent, expand our market reach, and nurture customer relationships, giving us a competitive edge. At Multiverse, ERGs are the heart of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Let's celebrate the incredible value they bring to our business and continue supporting a brighter, more united future. #ERGs #InclusionMatters #AllyshipAtWork #DiversityWins

As we honor Juneteenth, let's create meaningful celebrations and foster an inclusive environment in our workplaces. Here’s how leaders can lead the way: 1. Educate & Empower: Provide resources and learning opportunities about Juneteenth's significance. 2. Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Encourage and uplift ERGs focused on Black employees. 3. Red, Black, & Green Day: Celebrate with colors that symbolize African American heritage. 4. Support Black Businesses: Promote and partner with Black-owned businesses. 5. Volunteer Together: Organize team volunteer activities in support of Black communities. 6. Reflect & Discuss: Host discussions to reflect on the importance of Juneteenth and ways to support racial equity. Let’s make Juneteenth a meaningful celebration in our workplaces! 📲 Follow us for more tips and resources on Diversity & Inclusion. #Juneteenth #InclusionMatter

How Training and Development Can Help Foster Black Inclusion in the Workplace At times, it can seem that petitioning for Black inclusion in the workplace is a controversial subject that goes against desires that “only the best person for the job should be hired or promoted.” For some, it can feel that advocates for Black inclusion are really trying to solve social problems to the detriment of the commercial success of the organisation. Or it can feel like Black inclusion means discriminating against non-Black employees. If this is the dominant feeling of key decision makers, then Black inclusion can seem an impossible goal. Therefore, one of the first tasks for fostering Black inclusion is to ensure that the organisation’s executive team understands why there is a need for it. Read more below: #blackhistorymonth #blackinclusion #dei

As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, it’s crucial to recognize the tools at our disposal for fostering a more inclusive and empowering corporate environment. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or professional associations stand out as powerful platforms for Black professionals seeking community support, professional development, and advocacy opportunities. Kimberly Lowe-Williams 🌱 Community Support: ERGs offer a unique sense of belonging, connecting you with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences. 🚀 Professional Development: These groups are not just social; they’re a hub for mentorship, learning, and growth, paving the way for career advancement. ✊ Advocacy Platform: ERGs give us a voice to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organizations, advocating for meaningful change. 🌟 Meaningful Change: Your participation can drive impactful organizational transformations, contributing to a more inclusive workplace culture. 📈 Personal Growth: Engaging with an ERG enhances self-awareness and promotes career progression, helping you to navigate your path with confidence. Let’s leverage ERGs to build healthier, more balanced careers and workplaces. Join a local or company ERG today and be a part of the change you wish to see. #HealthyCareersWednesday #careerdevelopment #MentorMeWithKimberly #diversityandinclusion #professionalgrowth #empowerment

What does a supportive environment look like for Black professionals? It starts with acknowledging that although there are more conversations around racism and anti-racism, the effects still impact Black employees in the workplace. 💼 From inequities in opportunity and pay, to the "emotional tax" we discussed last week, Black professionals need employers and organizations that are willing to listen to their unique needs and engage in initiatives that better the work environment for everyone. 🙌 Here are some insights and suggestions to think about when fostering a more supportive environment for Black professionals: ⬇️ - Let go of the ‘colorblind’ myth - Hire equity-minded Black professionals for leadership positions - Respect and value Black professionals across the board - Extend anti-racist values to your partnerships and affiliations - Find the gaps within your organization and take action While these tips can help transform the workspace into a more inclusive and equitable place, it only scratches the surface. Dive deeper into this topic at our February 6 webinar "Reflections on Racism and Transforming the Black Employee Experience" at 12 pm EST. Register for free today at https://hubs.li/Q02ht_lC0! 🔗✨ While you're there, you can also read the full blog post "Creating a More Supportive Environment for Black Professionals" at https://hubs.li/Q02htPPw0. 💡 [Alt Description is located in the comments.] #Webinar #Webinars #BlackProfessionals #Inequity #Racism #AntiRacism #Inclusivity #Inclusion #InclusiveWorkplaces #WorkplaceInclusion #WorkplaceEquality #DEI #SGO #WorkplaceEquity #DiversityandInclusion #DiversityEquityInclusion #SheGeeksOut