The Importance of Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Your Business
At one time or another you’ve heard the phrase, “actions speak louder than words.” It’s an expression that can be applied to basically any situation because the overall message remains the same and from a business standpoint that has never been truer. Clients, consumers, employees, all want to see, and feel the promises leadership talks about, otherwise their words remain empty.
For example, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, are very important issues which at one time weren’t much more than just buzzwords. They may have been talked about, but a lack of awareness resulted in little being done to put those words into action. Not all companies understood the depth of the problems millions of people faced on a daily basis, both from a professional as well as personal standpoint.
Thankfully those days are over. Companies have begun to realize that focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion is fundamental to long-term success. People drive business and organizational change, and those poised to shape the future are more diverse than ever. Data has shown that the post-millennial generation is already the most racially and ethnically diverse generation and will be the most diverse generation in history entering the workforce.
When talking about diversity, there are varying perceptions about the term itself, but generally speaking, it’s an understanding, an acceptance, and valuing the differences between people both inside and outside of an organization. Equity is a term that may vary in its definition from company to company but in broader terms, it’s about safeguarding fairness and impartiality for all people. When we talk about inclusion in the workplace we’re referring to a work environment that is collaborative, supportive, and respectful. One that is built to encourage participation and contribution of all employees and designed to remove all barriers, discrimination, and intolerance.
All of this may sound simple to do, but it’s not easy to become a leader, though many companies are committed to elevating their DE&I initiates. That commitment is reflected in their mission, business practices, and the strategies implemented as they work to move forward in a competitive business market. In order to be successful the collaborative programs put forward must be well-thought out and properly executed.
Whether starting new DE&I initiatives or accelerating current efforts, companies benefit from these programs as well. They can……
• Help attract top talent — Developing a reputation as a company that fosters DE&I will help attract talented individuals as well as retain current skilled employees. Bottom line, people want to work for organizations that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• Aide in a company’s growth — When a company develops a reputation for fostering an all-inclusive workforce, they’re more likely to grow as a result. Research has also proven that companies with a diverse leadership team have a higher innovative revenue compared to those who don’t.
• Discrimination in the workplace is costly — Discrimination can have both financial and ethical consequences. Doing wrong by your current staff sends out a message to prospective employees, as well as consumers, who may distance themselves from a business or brand. From a financial perspective, it’s been estimated that workplace discrimination costs businesses $64 billion annually.
In our efforts to continue elevating DE&I at JMG PR, we’ve teamed up with Girls Inc. of NYC, an organization that advocates on behalf of girls in undeserved communities and delivers life-changing programs and experiences. Beginning next semester, our internship program will offer a spot to a student within the Girl’s Inc.of NYC program looking to pursue a career in public relations. While their program is normally for high school students, we’re looking forward to partnering with the organization for such an exciting opportunity. In addition to our commitment to cultivate an inclusive and diverse team, other companies have been taking actionable steps in focusing their efforts to make diversity a priority.
GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA
A youth organization for girls, Girl Scouts of America instills the fundamental values of respect for all. With Girl Scout organizations located throughout the United States, each are committed to preparing their girls for a lifetime of leadership and success. In an effort to take a stand against racism, The Girl Scouts of Western New York has released a new patch that reflects their commitment in fostering a community of justice, fairness, and inclusion. Created by GSWNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, this new patch involves activities for scouts at any grade level and offers ways to start conversations about racial equity. The different activities are educational while providing the foundation needed to learn how to speak up, speak out, and take action for fairness, civility, and compassion for all people.
CITIBANK
The global financial services firm Citibank recently announced a new trans-inclusive campaign which will enable transgender and non-binary customers to update their chosen first name on eligible credit cards while existing credit card customers can also request a new card with their chosen first name. Customers will also be referred to by their chosen first name when calling customer service and throughout the company’s various online and mobile access points. Citibank’s new program will help customers feel recognized, accepted, and empowered to be their true selves and is part of the company’s commitment to advocating for and supporting LGBTQ and equality.
GENERAL MOTORS
One of the world’s largest motor vehicle manufactures, General Motors, has also been making big strides in recognizing that both the world, and their company, must evolve towards a more open-minded future. The powers that be at GM believe that their organization stands for more than just the products they’re known for, they’re also focusing on standing for the dignity of people, justice, tolerance, and inclusion. In their efforts to do so, the company has pledged $10 million to support organizations promoting racial justices and inclusion. In addition, the company has commission an Inclusion and Diversity board, bringing both internal and external leaders together to address the systemic barriers hindering inclusivity. Until the issues are completely unrooted within our society, General Motors is committed to fighting the social injustices plaguing our communities.
PETSMART
This leading North American pet company is creating an environment where every associate feels like they truly belong; it is PetSmart’s number one priority. The Belonging Vision is a foundation of the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts. In an effort to develop opportunities for employees, PetSmart formed several associate resources groups to help drive business performance and serve as strategic partners for their diversity and inclusion efforts. Pride at Work (PAW), Mosaic, W.I.S.E (Women Inspiring Strength & Excellence), and StartSmart, are currently the four recourse groups in place to drive these changes.
While these are just a handful of the examples of what some companies are doing in an effort to make big changes within their organizations, the important takeaway to remember is the work that we do today is the history of tomorrow and we are its makers.
— Jenna
