While developing a diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiative might already be part of your company policies, it’s now front and center for many firms. This is due to recent news events that have sparked a conversation on racial injustice.
Developing a diversity plan
What makes for an effective D&I plan? Here’s how an employer can start the process, according to Laura Hamill, co-founder of Limeade, which has put its own D&I plan in place:
• Make a move. Have someone in leadership make a statement to employees that racism is unacceptable. Or ask managers to have one-on-one conversations with Black employees, offering advice and resources to help further their professional development.
• Set new norms. Call out inappropriate office behavior. Let’s say you’ve noticed that a Black employee gets interrupted repeatedly. Stop the conversation to offer them the space to talk freely. Others will soon become aware of this microaggression.
• Measure inclusion. Gather feedback from employees by sending confidential surveys, so they can be honest about what areas in the company still need improvement.
