Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As Human Resource professionals, we have an important role in creating an environment where diversity is valued.
We are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the integration of diversity in our workplaces. By doing so, we will witness strengthened workplaces, enhanced employee productivity and reduced litigation risks.
The ARSHRM diversity program’s purpose is to affirm diversity awareness amongst its affiliated chapters and within the state of Arkansas. Each affiliate chapter is responsible for at least one diversity-oriented program per year.
Per the Society for Human Resource Management
“To celebrate diversity is to appreciate and value individual differences. SHRM strives to be the leader in promoting workplace diversity. Although the term is often used to refer to differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation, diversity encompasses an infinite range of individuals’ unique characteristics and experiences, including communication styles, physical characteristics such as height and weight, speed of learning and comprehension.”
Diversity Equity and Inclusion News
Dealing with diversity in the workplace means understanding and relating effectively with people who are different from you. The ability for a diverse group of people to build strength and unity through their diversity is the power that propels organizations into new dimensions of performance. Discussions of workplace diversity tend to start with the topics of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Indeed, organizations that want to thrive in the future will need to have employees and managers who are aware of and skilled in dealing with differences along these identity lines.
Another slice of diversity that is not always included in typical diversity discussions, however, is generational diversity. In any large organization, you are bound to find divisions, units, or work teams where five distinct generations are working side by side. Important differences have been identified between these generations in the way they approach work, work/life balance, employee loyalty, authority, and other important issues. For those reasons, an individual’s age is one of the most common predictors of differences in attitudes and behaviors. Different communication styles and work habits can create misunderstandings between coworkers, leading to conflict and disengagement.
These tips will help to create common ground among generations, but organizations are encouraged to develop policies and programs that will help meet each generation’s unique needs and expectations.
Communicate appropriately, gearing messages for generational preferences. Create programs that encourage generations to work together and to share knowledge. Build diverse teams of all ages, genders, and cultures. These teams will learn to value and trust each other. Encourage leaders at all levels to be flexible in their management styles. Some generations want hands-off leaders, others want a more involved management style.
Articles: A collection of articles on diversity and inclusion topics from leading business publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company.
How to manage a multigeneration workforce
Communicating with a multigenerational workforce
Diversity & Inclusion Update
October Diversity
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October diversity topics include acknowledging the workplace contributions of people with disabilities. We recommend educating your workforce about disability employment issues in your workplace during the month of October.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October diversity events include this annual campaign, which helps raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hold a short seminar in your workplace to educate employees about the symptoms and importance of early detection.
National Physical Therapy Awareness Month
During the month of October, we take time to recognize and celebrate the benefits of physical therapy and the profession on improving the health of society. Benefits include pain management, injury recovery, improved mobility, fall prevention, reduced need for prescription drugs, avoiding surgery, chronic condition management and so much more.
Latina Equal Pay Day – October 3
This day celebrates the progress Latinas have made with earnings compared to White non-Hispanic men. Latinas earn about 54 cents for every dollar and must work nearly double the time to earn the same annual income. Today, raise awareness on how to close this gap and advocate for fair-pay policies for all demographics.
World Dyslexia Day – October 8
Today, the world educates the public on the challenges that those living with dyslexia face at work and in the real world. It aims to increase understanding and acceptance of this learning disability while working toward a more inclusive work environment.
October 10: World Mental Health Day
This day promotes mental health awareness and education. All people have mental health, in the same way they have physical health. Hold a mental health workshop in your office to explore the importance of self-care and mental wellness.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 14
This diversity day coincides with the federal holiday Columbus Day and honors the culture, contributions, and history of the Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations Peoples. By promoting their rich heritage and remembering the challenges they have faced in their history, we help promote a better understanding of all world cultures.
International Pronouns Day – October 16
International Pronouns Day is focused on gender inclusivity and promoting the proper use of pronouns to respect someone’s chosen identity. It hopes to educate the public on the importance of personal pronouns in affirming someone’s gender expression. Today, have open conversations for better understanding and acceptance among your friends, loved ones, and colleagues. First celebrated in 2018, it hopes to educate about personal pronouns and how being referred to as the wrong pronouns affects someone’s mental health.
International Overdose Awareness Day – October 31
This diversity day is the world’s largest yearly campaign to help end overdoses. It’s a great time to remember those we have lost without the stigma behind drug addiction. Listen to personal stories and acknowledge the grief of both family and friends who were left behind. Use the hashtag #EndOverdose on your social media to stand in solidarity with others in the fight to treat drug addiction.
Final Thoughts
A great way for an employer to show support for any one of these celebrations is to partner with a local nonprofit or community event and give your employees an opportunity to volunteer and represent your company. Community service is a fun way to give back while team building and keeping the employees engaged.
Find more Diversity and Inclusion resources here.
Quick Resources
A leading diversity and inclusion membership organization that provides research, tools, and resources to help organizations create inclusive workplaces.
An organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace through training, certification, and research.
A comprehensive resource hub from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that includes research, case studies, and best practices for creating a more inclusive workplace.
A selection of online courses on diversity and inclusion topics from providers such as LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera.