Depending on whom you talk to, as of late, you may have heard an awful lot about diversity – particularly in the workforce. It’s often referred to – along with inclusion – strictly within the confines of programs and training. But what about best practices and day-to-day management of a diverse workforce?
If you belong to the HR department or are a member of upper management, the topic of DEI in the workplace has probably come up more than once. It’s an important consideration. It is vital for today’s work environments to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. In addition to simply being “the right thing to do”, it also produces a workforce that performs more effectively.
The following are a handful of tips that should help with your endeavor to manage diversity in the workplace.
Managing Diversity in Workplace Situations
In order to build an inclusive and diverse organization, everyday effort is needed. This isn’t something you have a meeting about one time and then forget about it. Your books are kept in order by your accounting department. Leads are created and pursued by your sales force. But DEI is a team effort.
Remember, “diversity” is more than just a word. So, your entire organization needs to strive for and work on a successful company culture through the advancement of your business’s DEI.
Hiring with Diversity in Mind
It takes time to build from the ground up, and that includes the construction of a diverse organization. To make sure that an assorted selection of candidates is being interviewed, your hiring process may need some auditing.
Diversification does, after all, begin with the hiring process. A wide selection of individuals must first be interviewed before they can be considered. That means people from all walks of life. Without a diverse selection of interviewees, a diverse workforce can’t be hired and assembled.
Goals and Leadership Should Align
Everyone from the very top of the ladder on down through the ranks must be not just informed, but on board with the advancement of DEI within an organization.
Battle Against Systemic Inequality Through Your Policies
Is systemic inequality unintentionally being promoted by your policies? In some cases, historically marginalized populations can be disproportionately impacted by certain processes, systems, and policies in the workplace.
Examples of new or revised policies:
- Be sure that, in addition to supporting traditional couples, you are supportive of LGBTQ+ families and couples.
- For people with disabilities – be they invisible or visible – remote work can present a vast array of opportunities.
Create a Company Culture of Forgiveness and Empathy
You can encourage others to admit their mistakes – and learn from them – when you, as a member of management, do the same. When hiccups occur, it’s important that you empathize with your team.
Identity unknown acts of exclusion
When it comes to your employees and their experiences, certain blind spots may exist. This is why self-awareness must be a trait that an organization’s leaders possess. Example: Do the members of your management team know which pronouns are preferred by certain employees?
In addition to being able to recognize blind spots, leaders must, of course, understand how to address the issues and create broader awareness across the teams.
When You Need Help Managing Diversity in the Workplace – Tessi Consulting
It’s time to devise a plan for, promote, and initiate your company’s DEI transformation!
Tessi Consulting can be of assistance with training and coaching to advance your businesses’ diversity, equity, and inclusion. Speak to one of our representatives regarding our training program selections – one of which will likely be the perfect fit for you and your organization.
Courtesy of our DEI consultants, your company will soon be able to represent its unrepresented demographics in a more effective way. Before you know it, you’ll be creating a sense of inclusion and belonging for the diversity of your organization.
Contact us today to get started. You can reach us by phone at 617-564-3331 or send us an email at info@tessiconsulting.com.