I’ve talked about 2018 being the year of inclusion. This piece in Fast Company focuses on inclusion and provides good recommendations. And in this recent post Glenn Llopis focuses on inclusion and actually speaks of having the D&I role in corporate strategy vs. HR. I agree with Glenn that we need to rethink the approach to diversity and see how this could have a greater impact. I also agree 100% that by rethinking diversity you will drive growth. However, I would argue that HR still plays an important role and key to that is 1) hiring the right people and 2) investing in career development and mapping. Learn from companies like Estée Lauder which is leading with inclusion and by organizations like She Runs It which are creating programs to have a greater impact.
On another topic – recruitment – here is this interesting study from PayScale that says that relying too heavily on referrals can create a less diverse workforce. This speaks to the point of making an effort. Yes referrals may be one way to find the right candidate, but make sure all employees are empowered to provide referrals. However, also look at other ways to attract talent including partnering with the right organizations and going to colleges and universities that serve diverse communities.
There is much work to be done as it relates to diversity across industries and the reports, programs and efforts being launched should start to move the needle. One such program focused on the entertainment industry was recently announced by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, read more here.
Another recommended read this week is this Digiday piece titled “In the #MeToo era, agency bosses worry diversity hiring will lead to tokenism.” Read to the end, with some good examples on how to recruit, retain and create a pipeline of women leaders.
Other headlines include Macy’s new line which launched to mixed reviews; Forbes is hosting the inaugural I.D.E.A.S. Summit in May; Microsoft hired a Chief Diversity Officer...and IBM is suing; US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce head stepping down amid “amid allegations of financial impropriety and sexual harassment;” and of course the Olympics.
Congratulations to our friends at Latina-led Policy Wisdom for their eight years of “growth and evolution. Watch this video about their work – very proud of the team including founder @anaritagon
ICYMI, President Barack Obama’s and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s portraits were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery this week. This by Renée Graham I think provides one of the best perspectives.
Photo by Doug Swinson on Unsplash
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