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
March 2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Calendar Highlights
Gender Equality Month highlights the importance of advancing equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for people of all genders. It encourages reflection, dialogue, and action to address disparities and promote inclusive practices in workplaces and communities.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month raises awareness about individuals living with developmental disabilities and promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity in all aspects of society.
Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, recognizing their impact across politics, science, arts, business, and culture while encouraging continued progress toward gender equity.
March 1 - Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality and challenges discrimination in all forms, calling for inclusive societies where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
March 1 –Ramadan (Islamic) - (Began evening of February 17, 2026; observed through March 18, 2026)
Ramadan marks a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide, emphasizing compassion, self-discipline, charity, and community connection.
March 1 – International Wheelchair Day
International Wheelchair Day celebrates the positive impact of wheelchairs on mobility and independence while raising awareness about accessibility and the experiences of wheelchair users.
March 4 – Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras celebrates cultural heritage and tradition in communities around the world, marking the final day before the Christian season of Lent with festivities, music, and gatherings.
March 4 –Holi (Hindu)
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, bringing communities together through vibrant color, music, and joyful gatherings.
March 5 –Ash Wednesday (Christian)
Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading up to Easter.
March 5 – Equal Pay Day
Equal Pay Day highlights the gender wage gap by symbolizing how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year, advocating for pay equity and workplace fairness.
March 6 - Employee Appreciation Day
Employee Appreciation Day recognizes the dedication and contributions of employees, reinforcing the importance of engagement, recognition, and positive workplace culture.
March 8 – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equity and the advancement of women’s rights.
March 13 – Purim (Jewish) (Evening of March 13–March 14, 2026)
Purim commemorates the story of resilience and survival recorded in the Book of Esther, celebrating Jewish identity, community, and cultural tradition.
March 15 - International Day to Combat Islamophobia
This day raises awareness of Islamophobia and promotes global efforts to combat prejudice, discrimination, and religious intolerance.
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish heritage and culture, honoring the patron saint of Ireland and recognizing the global influence of Irish communities.
March 17 – Hola Mohalla (Sikh) (March 17–19, 2026)
Hola Mohalla honors Sikh heritage and courage through martial arts demonstrations, poetry, and community service.
March 17-23 - Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week highlights the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, encouraging inclusive workplaces that value diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving.
March 19 –Eid al-Fitr (Islamic) (Evening of March 18–March 19, 2026)
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan with prayer, gratitude, charitable giving, and joyful gatherings. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan with prayer, gratitude, charitable giving, and joyful gatherings.
March 20 –Naw-Ruz (Baha’i)
Naw-Ruz marks the Baha’i New Year, symbolizing renewal, unity, and spiritual growth.
March 20 – International Day of Happiness
This day emphasizes the importance of well-being, kindness, and collective flourishing as essential goals for individuals and societies.
March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
This global observance calls for solidarity and action against racism, promoting equality, justice, and inclusive communities.
March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates transgender individuals and raises awareness of the challenges they face while affirming the importance of dignity, equity, and inclusion.
Next Steps for Navigating Inclusion & Diversity in a Shifting Legal and Political Landscape
HR professionals are facing new challenges as workplace inclusion efforts are increasingly shaped by political polarization and shifting federal regulations. Executive orders from early 2025 have altered compliance expectations, creating uncertainty for leaders who want to uphold best practices while avoiding legal risk. Employees also hold mixed perceptions of Inclusion and Diversity initiatives, making it harder to build unified cultures of belonging.
To support HR practitioners, ARSHRM recommends the following strategies:
1. Audit and Align for Compliance – Review programs, training, and policies to ensure alignment with federal directives, especially for government contractors.
2. Focus on Culture Over Labels – Center efforts on respect, fairness, and engagement rather than acronyms that may spark controversy.
3. Stay Informed but Steady – Monitor evolving rulings, but don’t dismantle effective programs prematurely.
4. Reframe as a Business Imperative – Link inclusion directly to retention, innovation, and engagement to de-politicize the conversation.
5. Prepare and Document – Anticipate increased scrutiny and maintain clear records of decision-making.
Our Spring Inclusion and Diversity Virtual Dialogue event, featuring guest speaker Carol Vella who brings over a decade of leadership in talent, retail, marketing, and community engagement, also highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversation, reinforcing inclusive behaviors, inviting diverse perspectives, ensuring structured hiring practices, and closely collaborating with legal experts.
Thank you for attending the session at the ARSHRM State Conference, October 8–10, where we explored practical strategies to navigate today’s evolving legal and political landscape while fostering truly inclusive workplaces. Here is a summary of the takeaways. DOWNLOAD HERE.
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.