Sheldon Smith’s Post

Embracing diversity is at the core of our values as we make strides toward a healthier, more equitable future. In honor of Black History Month, learn how Navitus fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace. https://lnkd.in/gazuwUbb

At Woods Kovalova Group, we understand that diversity encompasses more than just a variety of perspectives. It's about creating an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and experiences. Frontline hourly employees are the backbone of many organizations, yet they often report the lowest overall feelings of inclusion compared to their peers. Our research indicates that differences in inclusion become more pronounced as employees climb the corporate ladder. While all groups may feel more connected at higher levels of the organization, Black employees consistently experience lower levels of inclusion than their counterparts at most levels. This disparity sets up a no-win situation for Black frontline workers. On one hand, they may face shared stressors and challenges in their frontline roles. On the other hand, as they strive to advance within the organization, they may encounter feelings of isolation and exclusion. At Woods Kovalova Group, we recognize the importance of addressing these systemic inequities and fostering a culture of belonging at all levels of the organization. Through targeted initiatives, mentorship programs, and inclusive leadership practices, we are committed to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and all employees have equal opportunities to succeed. Join us at Woods Kovalova Group as we strive to create a future where every employee, regardless of race or background, feels included, empowered, and valued. Go! https://lnkd.in/eDPGB4w #nonprofit #banking #financeindustry #financialinclusion #hr #hrci #cphr #shrm #leadership #inclusion

Belonging and Black History Month In addition to reflecting on contributions Black women and men have made to society, this month is also a good time to think about allyship and ways we can help Black people thrive in workplaces where Blacks are a minority demographic. Wendy Gates Corbett, MS, CPTD book, The Energy of Belonging, offers 75 terrific tips on ways for anyone to connect, respect and protect people who appear different from the mainstream. https://lnkd.in/guYdVERR

It’s Black History Month!  While we at BSI support this month of “celebration" - we remind the industry to forge ahead with equitable actions at all times across the year. We hear that DEI efforts are retrenching from many corners of our industry. During Black History Month, BSI reminds you that Equity is the right goal, and we need to redouble efforts if we are to address the marketplace and workplaces of the very near future. "To address backlash, companies need to frame DEI efforts as resolving inequities and achieving justice. We need to frame DEI less like we are attacking people and more in a way that people can see a role for themselves in these efforts,”  - Lily Zheng, Author DEI Deconstructed - Source: Forbes https://lnkd.in/e3sfNHtB

It’s ironic that so much about working in Diversity & Inclusion is unfair… It’s unfair that leaders rely on rhetoric over reason. It’s unfair that people place award applications over action. It’s unfair that organisations turn to “experts” who lack expertise. It’s unfair that companies like photo opportunities more than promotion opportunities. It’s unfair that employees from under represented groups are expected to become representatives for “the cause”. I get messages every week telling me that it’s unfair. They are right. It’s not fair. But I’m naive enough to think we can change it. Start with something small: - Develop credibility : Speak about useful things you know and expect the same from others. - Promote reason : Encourage critical thinking instead of dogma. - Seek expertise : Find people with credentials that are appropriate to your needs - Then do something appropriate. There’s a lot more to it, but it’s a start. Trust yourself more. The workplace is not fair but if we all play our part; We can make it a little bit better. What more can anyone expect from you? What does your experience tell you we should do? 

ADP’s Black and African American Business Resource Group, Cultivate, hosts conversations throughout the year around how #ADP promotes a culture of inclusivity. Bobby, Service Executive, says, “Having people that you can lean on, that you can trust, that you can talk to, that you can check in with, it really helps.” Watch to hear more and reach out to me to discuss our open roles. #Hiring #ADPLife

Building a more inclusive organizational culture for employees from historically underserved groups involves not only recruiting diverse talent but also ensuring they feel valued, heard, and have equal opportunities for growth. https://lnkd.in/eP-TY8R3 #InclusiveCulture #DiversityMatters #BusinessStrategy

October is Black History Month, an occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. But we know inclusivity in the workplace is not just about one celebration a year or only recognising certain people on certain dates. Employers can take intentional actions to break down barriers, promote equity, and ensure every person feels valued and supported. We want to raise awareness with employers that inclusion requires more than just putting up posters or sending out an email on a particular day to follow a hashtag. The EZHR guide to inclusion gives you the practical steps employers can take to implement inclusion policies and make sure they are part of your everyday workplace culture. Get the EZHR Inclusion guide here: https://loom.ly/JS-LX4s

NEW Blog Post: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the Workplace, This Black History Month and Beyond. 🌟 Our latest Blogging From Beyond the Boardroom post is out, and we're sharing some insightful content. Have you had a chance to read it? 🌟 Check it out via the VPWS Social Hub link👇📔👀 #VPWorkforceSolutions #VPWS #Recruitment #Careers #Opportunities #Jobsearch #ClientServices #ClientRelations #BloggingFromBeyondTheBoardroom #BeyondTheBoardroom #HireExpectations 

Many organisations simply go through the motions when it comes to Diversity and Inclusion, just ticking boxes without truly embracing the principles. When addressing diversity and inclusion, there may be initial apprehension about how the information will be received. Change cannot occur if no one speaks up or guides the organisation in the right direction. Sometimes, organisations are open to making necessary changes but need some guidance on how to do so. Following my presentation on Black History for DE&I alongside continuous efforts from Tipalti; I have personally witnessed and heard from numerous stakeholders and staff about the positive changes being implemented. Here are SOME of the changes: 1. Adjustments have been made to the recruitment process to attract and retain diverse colleagues; and this has become more evident across multiple teams at Tipalti. 2. Middle management showcases diversity among leaders. 3. Enhanced psychological safety in the workplace which encourages colleagues to ask questions or speak without fear of judgment. 4. Our Islamic colleagues are granted an additional work-from-home day during the period of Ramadan if requested. 5. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have seen improved effectiveness with more staff members joining. 6. ERGs are being more widely embraced in the UK. 7. ERG budgets are being aligned strategically to ensure DE&I goals are met. 8. Mentorship programs are being rolled out to focus on managing diverse staff. It's exciting to see the various initiatives being rolled out to ensure that DE&I remains a priority and that the workforce is representative of the diverse communities. What positive changes have you seen in your organisation? If Your Work Place Is Looking For Diversity & Inclusion or Black History Talk / Workshop, I’m Your Woman !