There is immense pressure on organizations to not only articulate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also to demonstrate that commitment through specific actions. In many organizations, the first action they take is to implement DEI trainings. These trainings range from how to spot unconscious bias to how improve employee engagement.

Diversity is a measure of differences among a group, and those differences can exist across any number of lines. A diversity wheel can be helpful in DEI discussions to build bridges and foster better inclusion in a group.

Applying DEI to recruiting, performance reviews and promotion decisions ensures that no one's bias leads to someone being hired, reviewed positively, or promoted unfairly, just as much as it ensures the same person is not passed over, criticized or held back unfairly.

Many companies that struggle with DEI-related issues are quick to jump to recruiting to solve the issue.  However, the root cause of your issues may be related to employees not feeling they belong, or have opportunities for advancement. This is where the "5 Why?s" approach can really help. 

As we begin to wind down 2022 and think ahead to 2023, and all the challenges that face our businesses, it is important to remember there are significant, measurable benefits that any organization can realize if they operationalize DEI into all their business practices.

Never before have I attended a conference where every attendee was so deeply engaged and focused on achieving the same mission. Every session focused on specific actions to take in the workplace to support LGBTQI+ employees -- and the stories told by those who benefitted from that support were incredibly powerful.

There is a lot of debate among CEOs about whether or not we are in a recession or one is looming, and how significant the impact will be. Regardless of the answer to those questions, inflation is sky-high and there are 2 jobs open for every unemployed person right now. That means the cost of business is high, and retaining top talent is more vital than ever.

July 26, 2022 is the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment. While this law is a major civil rights accomplishment, prohibiting discrimination is still a far cry from embracing inclusion, and we have a long way to go on the latter in the workplace.

Regardless of your personal stance on the overturn of Roe v Wade, any organization that says it provides an equitable and inclusive workplace must support its employees who may need access to abortion, in addition to their mental and physical health, privacy, safety and financial needs.