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.
"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."
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.
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6609-multigenerational-workforce-challenges.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janice-celeste/how-to-manage-4-generatio_b_8125158.html
Linkage, a SHRM company, is a global leadership development firm committed to advancing women and accelerating inclusion in leaders and organizations, trusted by more than 250 clients across industries.
"Does diversity still matter? Of course, and it always will." Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrated from September 15 – October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of Americans with roots in the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico, Central, and South America. It was first established in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
September 15 is significant as it is the anniversary of the independence of many Central American countries.
National Recovery Month
Starting in 1989, this national observance is intended to promote and support treatment and recovery practices. In 2022, the theme “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community” was adopted as a permanent tagline, reflecting the ongoing commitment to helping anyone struggling with addiction and fostering recovery nationwide.
September 1: National Forgiveness Day
September 1 is National Forgiveness Day. It’s a day we use to embrace healing, understanding and unity by encouraging forgiveness and fostering empathy. This day is a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness. Everybody has a universal need for healing and forgiveness. It’s time to let go of grudges and embrace a path of unity and understanding.
September 1: National Food Bank Day
National Food Bank Day generally takes place on the first Friday of September. This year that date is September 1. On this day, workplaces and their employees are encouraged to commit to contributing to the cause that believes no one should go to bed hungry. Food insecurity can make it more difficult for a child to learn and grow. It can also lead to difficult decisions for not only residents of our communities but also for some of our employees who have to choose between food and rent, bills and transportation. Employers can volunteer their time at a local food bank or they can do a food drive and take up donations to help meet the needs of the people the food bank serves. Of course this could be done on any day, if September 1 doesn’t work out for your organization.
September 2: National Tailgating Day
National Tailgating Day happens on the first Saturday in September and it reminds us of what the autumn colors and scents already do. Those colors signal grilling time and a season of cheering on our favorite teams! Tailgating is the custom of gathering outside the stadium before the game with fans of the same team for food, beverages and socializing. Gatherings often take place at the tailgate of a pickup truck or the trunk of a car. However, neither is required.
September 4: Labor Day
Labor Day happens on the first Monday of September, recognizing the men and women who labor to build this country. Since the founding of the United States, the country has relied on its workforce for its infrastructure. The labor of what we create, build and harvest fuels our education and inspires our dreams. We salute the American workforce on this day. On September 5, 1882,
Labor Day first honored workers in New York City. The observance later moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. However, the observance wasn’t officially recognized by any government entity until 1885 when a municipal ordinance was passed. Interestingly, Oregon recognized the day in 1887 before New York state’s bill passed. As more states recognized the observance, its popularity grew. Then, in 1894, Congress declared the day to be a national observance.
September 12: National Just One Human Family Day
National Just One Human Family Day on September 12th encourages us to reflect on the human race as a single family who share just one planet. This day is used to remind us that, as a human race, we have a responsibility to each other. While we all come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, believe differently, we are all human beings. Our experiences may vary. Even our abilities and weaknesses differ. Another sure thing we share is that we all live on just one planet, Earth. Our brothers, sisters, and neighbors are all part of the human family. This observance requires effort from every one of us. Employers could arrange a corporate harmony day to recognize this day.
September 15 – 17: Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year is celebrated with reflection, worship, and meals among family and friends. It is observed on the first and second days of the month Tishrei, the first month in the Jewish calendar.
September 20: HeForShe
Initiated by the United Nations, this movement advocates for gender equality. Its mission is to unite people of all genders in the pursuit of equality for all.
September 24 – 25: Yom Kippur
It is one of the two main Jewish High Holy Days. Occurring on the 10th of the month of Tishrei, it focuses on repentance and atonement. Fasting and intense prayer are common during this religious observance.
#CelebrateEveryDay
Find more Diversity and Inclusion resources here.
cahra.net/Diversity_and_Inclusion_Resources
www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/Pages/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.aspx
aflcio.org/issues/gender-equality
ndc.nationaldiversitycouncil.org
