As Human Resources 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 & 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 misunderstanding 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.

1. Communicate appropriately, gearing messages for generational preferences.
2. Create programs that encourage generations to work together and to share knowledge.
3. Build diverse teams of all ages, gender, and cultures. These teams will learn to value and trust each other.
4. 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.

Resources:

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6609-multigenerational-workforce-challenges.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janice-celeste/how-to-manage-4-generatio_b_8125158.html

Diversity & Inclusion Update 

March Diversity

Women’s History Month

Happy Women’s History Month! This month honors the role that women like Dorothea Dix, Susan B. Anthony, Jane Cooke Wright, Mary Tape and so many others have played in American history. Consider hosting an event at your workplace to celebrate women. You could invite female business leaders or nonprofit founder to speak as well.

National Disability Awareness Month

This is the 36th Year the United States has recognized and celebrated March as National Disability Awareness Month! On February 26, 1987 President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613 making March National Disabilities Awareness Month. The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Everyone wants, and deserves, to enjoy life, feel productive and secure. But in March, we take extra steps to raise awareness about the supports and rights of the people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole!

All individuals, agencies, and organizations supportive of people with disabilities are encouraged to observe the month of March with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the contributions and the potential of Americans with disabilities.

National Reading Month

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March is designated as National Reading Month – a month to motivate Americans of all ages to read every day. Reading is fun and has many benefits, regardless of age. It’s a key component of education and professional development.

March 8: International Women’s Day

This is another stellar opportunity to celebrate the women in your workplace. This day specifically highlights the political, cultural and economic achievements of women. To celebrate, you can do something as simple such as reaching out to a woman who has inspired you at work. A nice note letting a mentor, teacher or family member know about their impact can be so powerful.

March 8: Holi

Known as the “Festival of Colors,” this Hindu holiday celebrates the winter harvest and the onset of spring. Weather permitting, consider hosting your friends and family in your backyard or driveway with brightly colored decorations. Hindu families will often get colored powders to throw and smear on their faces during the festivities.

March 10: Harriet Tubman’s Birthday

Happy Birthday, Harriet! As an American abolitionist, she’s known for saving a reported 70 people through the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of African American and white people who offered shelter and aid to escaped slaves from the South. Download or borrow a library book to read more about her life.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, it’s primarily a celebration of the saint who brought Christianity to Ireland. Consider toasting a pint of Guinness or making a traditional Irish recipe to enjoy this holiday!

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

This day commemorates the date in 1960 that police opened fire on and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa. The day aims to convey a simple message — using your voice can be a powerful vehicle against racism. Your employees can honor this day by reflecting on biases in your workplace, and considering where they may have originated.

March 22: World Water Day

World Water Day, held on March 22 of every year since 1993, celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people living without access to safe water. Everyone can play a part in focusing and advocating for sustainable development of water resources and highlight the importance of freshwater.

March 22 to April 21: Ramadan

Ramadan — an annual observance for Muslims worldwide — falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from dawn until dusk. If you’re not Muslim, but you want to see what Ramadan is like, you can try abstaining from eating from dawn until dusk and break the fast with an evening meal called iftar.

Find more Diversity and Inclusion resources here.