The Business Case for Racial Equity was published by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in October 2013. The report’s groundbreaking conclusions have given businesses something to strive for – not only for economic reasons, but out of a desire to create productive and safe work environments.
I had an opportunity to discuss these issues in an interview on the Cheri Hill Show in January 2015. Cheri Hill is a radio talk show host in Reno, Nevada who promotes healthy and thriving businesses. (The complete interview is posted on my site. To listen, click here.)
Cheri referenced the Kellogg Foundation article in her opening statement about racial equity – a world where race is no longer a factor in the distribution of opportunity. It is all about social justice. “When people face barriers to achieving their full potential, the loss of talent, creativity, energy, and productivity is a burden not only for those disadvantaged, but for communities, businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole.” There is only a downside to racial inequity. All would agree. The question is how to get to the upside – how to identify, address and change racial inequities in work environments.
“Diversity Matters” and “Business Case for Diversity” are two more articles that echo the same sentiment. Managers and workers in most any institution – corporations, schools, churches, hospitals, government agencies – see the need for addressing race, ethnicity and inequities in the workplace. How to go about that process? Changing policy, overview and oversight of management practices, determining employee satisfaction and well-being, workshops on cultural sensitivity and competence? All important and viable responses.
Please contact me after reading these articles or listening to my interview. I would be glad to consult with you, to deliver diversity and inclusion training, to help with cultural competence skills building, and to address culture and cultural identity in your workplace.