Inclusion & Diversity
"The time is always right to do what is right." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As Human Resource professionals, we have an important role in creating an environment where inclusion and belonging is valued.
The ARSHRM Inclusion & Diversity program’s purpose is to affirm awareness amongst its affiliated chapters and within the state of Arkansas. We are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the integration of inclusion and belonging in our workplaces. By doing so, we will witness strengthened workplaces, enhanced employee productivity and reduced litigation risks.
Inclusion and diversity are essential for creating thriving workplaces and communities. These principles drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure every individual feels valued and empowered.
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.”
Inclusion & Diversity 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
Inclusion & Diversity Update
September 2025 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Calendar Highlights
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
Celebrates the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The start date honors the independence days of several Latin American nations including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Raises awareness of suicide as a leading cause of death, promotes mental health resources, and encourages open dialogue to reduce stigma and support those at risk.
National Recovery Month
Highlights stories of recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, while promoting access to treatment and community support.
World Alzheimer’s Month
A global campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, emphasizing support for those affected and advancing understanding of risk reduction.
September 1 – Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement.
September 4-5 – Mawlid al-Nabi (Islamic) marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day International Day dedicated to suicide prevention awareness.
September 11 – Patriot Day (U.S.) remembers the victims of the September 11 attacks.
September 11 – Nayrouz (Coptic Orthodox Christian) - The Coptic Orthodox New Year, commemorating martyrs and saints, marking the start of the Coptic calendar.
September 15 – World Afro Day celebrates Afro hair and promotes positive representation and equality.
September 16 – National Working Parents Day recognizes the challenges and contributions of working parents.
September 18 – International Equal Pay Day (U.N) advocates for closing the gender pay gap worldwide.
September 21 – International Day of Peace promotes global peacebuilding and nonviolence.
September 22 – Mabon (Pagan and Wiccan) - Autumn equinox festival giving thanks for the harvest.
September 22-24 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) - Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and renewal.
September 22-October 2 – Navratri & Durga Puja (Hindu) - Major Hindu observances honoring goddess Durga, celebrated with fasting, worship, and cultural festivals.
September 23 – International Day of Sign Languages celebrates linguistic identity and inclusion of Deaf communities.
September 29 – Michaelmas / Feast of Michael and All Angels, observed in some Christian traditions.
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.