HOW TO PROMOTE AND ACHIEVE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN YOUR WORKPLACE – EASY STEPS TO TACKLING SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION IN YOUR BUSINESS.

Workplaces in the CKL must promote and achieve diversity, equity and inclusion.

This change must be initiated from the top down.

Measurable objectives must be set.

Education and training in the workplace about bias and inequity is critical. 

Accountability to achieve those objectives is paramount. 

Mere denunciation of racism is woefully insufficient; rather, a workplace must adhere to a specific call of action.

To do so, everyone in the workplace must:

• speak up when you experience or witness intolerance, mistreatment or bias in action – saying nothing condones discrimination: if you see something, say something;

• generate an inclusive environment for everyone – seek different perspectives and respect points of view and communication styles that are different from your own;

• realize and process your feelings; and

• as an organization, collectively agree to do better.

Minimizing, if not eliminating, systemic discrimination and bigotry in a workplace is a challenging, but realizable, ideal. 

It will require education, training and raising awareness proactively, including about unconscious bias and at a minimum requires the creation and implementation of a policy on diversity and inclusivity.

Every workplace diversity and inclusion policy, even if not legally required, should include:

1. a statement of commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace;

2. a statement that the policy applies to all aspects of employment as well as to interactions with customers/clients;

3. a process that provides the opportunity for dialogue within the workplace with respect to barriers to diversity and inclusion;

4. a commitment to education and training of management and staff to ensure that an understanding of the individualized needs in the workplace are understood by all;

5. a statement of commitment to human rights, equity and privacy laws;

6. a complaints process; and

7. a statement that collection of personal information will be kept confidential.

Need help with your new diversity and inclusion policy in your workplace? Give us a call.