Diversity in the work place
In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the swearing in of the first ever African-American President on Tuesday January 20th, I reflect on the state of diversity, civility, and inclusiveness in the workplace.
Race has not been a focus or issue for me professionally. I attended a private school on long Island where I was actually in the minority; and it never bothered me! It was actually much cooler that way. One of the girls in my class would take a train to brooklyn to have her hair braided once a month and another close friend came from Puerto Rico. I embraced meeting people different from me and my brothers. I always found different cultures to be refreshing and enjoyed being with these families learning the way they relate and communicate.
After watching the movie ‘Gran Torino’; I realize there are still many issues with race and diversity. As a young professional who happens to be gay, I have been fortunate to experience employers and peers who have been inclusive and embracing of allowing me to bring my whole self to work. Many companies have organizations like the Women’s Network, the Hispanic Forum and others that promote unity and the professional development of it’s members. I have been apart of GLBT alliances, and we had rolled out a “safe space” decal for offices and doorways where employees wanted to express there ability for inclusiveness to people of GLBT status at work.
Here are a few things that you can do to ensure diversity in your work place:
1. CONTACT YOUR HR MANAGER FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO START A GROUP.
2. ASK YOUR PEERS TO JOIN, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT HISPANIC, ETC; AS LONG AS THEY SUPPORT THE MISSION
3. WORK WITH YOUR PR OFFICE, THERE MAY BE A TEMPLATE OR STEPS TO FOLLOW TO GET IT STARTED RIGHT
4. HAVE A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN READY BEFORE YOUR EVENTS START.
5. HAVE A PURPOSE..HELP THE COMMUNITY, DO A DIVERSITY TRAINING FOR THE OFFICE STAFF.
*I hope that this post inspires you to embrace diversity, educate those around you, and unite young professionals to be leaders and advocates for diversity in the work place.
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I loved this entry. Not only did you make a case for diversity in the workplace but you shared something personal about yourself, as well. I am also a strong advocate for celebrating diversity. My partner and I do corporate diversity training and are the authors of Leveraging Diversity at Work. If you provide me your mailing address, I’d be happy to send you a complimentary copy. Continue the advocacy!
send you a complimentary copy-please
Thx
roberto