Creating an Inclusive Environment Through Local Community Engagement

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. A LinkedIn report revealed that 78% of companies prioritize diversity to improve culture, and 62% prioritize it to boost financial performance. Jacob Morgan, author of “The Employee Experience Advantage,” stated that a key part of diversity is understanding and learning from different voices, experiences, values and cultures. He compared team diversity to focusing on the 64 squares of a game of chess rather than getting stuck on one aspect of the board or where the game is played. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for workplace flexibility.

Companies have had to revise their policies to accommodate remote work and ensure DEI. International Pronoun Day on October 20th is an opportunity to promote respect and exchange around personal pronouns. Updating email signatures and social media profiles is one way to participate in this inclusive act. Engaging with local communities is an effective way to support inclusion and diversity. Careful planning, reflection, community research, and a strong commitment to listening are essential for successful community participation.

This includes surveys and meetings that are inclusive and welcoming. Making small changes to the process and questions asked can promote better understanding and deeper support. Organizations should take the time to plan their participation process: prepare, consult and report. This will help ensure that DEI is taken into account when making decisions. By engaging with local communities, organizations can create a supportive environment that encourages diversity and inclusion.In order to ensure that DEI is properly addressed, organizations should take the time to plan their community engagement process.

This includes preparing for the engagement, consulting with local communities, and reporting back on the results. Additionally, making small changes to the process and questions asked can promote better understanding and deeper support. Engaging with local communities is an effective way to support inclusion and diversity in the workplace. By taking the time to plan their participation process, organizations can create a supportive environment that encourages DEI. Through careful planning, reflection, community research, and a strong commitment to listening, organizations can ensure that DEI is taken into account when making decisions.