The shift toward remote and hybrid work marks a transformative era in workplace dynamics, deeply affecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies. Ensuring inclusive and supportive hybrid and remote work environments requires a nuanced approach, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of all employees. The Preference for Hybrid Work Approximately 66% of employees express a preference for hybrid work models, valuing the flexibility and balance they offer. This preference is even stronger among traditionally underrepresented groups; for instance, employees with disabilities, no ..read more

Since Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental pillars shaping the ethos of modern workplaces, it’s important to ask if DEI creates transformative change. This blog explores the methodologies and metrics for assessing DEI program effectiveness, including a detailed case study of PayPal’s innovative approach to economic equity. We’ll also get a glimpse of efforts at other organizations, providing a comprehensive view of how DEI strategies can yield valuable results. Understanding the Impact of DEI: A Statistical Overview DEI’s significance transcends compliance or ethical obligat ..read more

While clear forms of discrimination are easy to spot and address, there’s a more hidden form of bias called microaggressions. These small actions or comments, even if unintentional, can affect someone’s sense of belonging and well-being. So what is a microaggressions and how do you manage them? What is a Microaggression? Harvard Business Review defines a microaggression as “Subtle, often unintentional, behaviors or comments that convey negative or derogatory messages to individuals based on their membership in a marginalized group.” These can show up in three different ways: verbal, non-verba ..read more

Did you know that organizations with diverse and inclusive leadership are 50% more likely to outperform their competitors in key metrices, including financial performance, innovation, and employee engagement (Source: McKinsey & Company, 2020)? In a world where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, executive coaching is the secret weapon for creating an inclusive work environment. This blog reveals how executive coaching unlocks the full potential of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across organizations and offers practical guidance for maximizing the impact of your coaching ex ..read more

While hybrid workplaces are becoming the norm for many organizations, equitable and inclusive hybrid work environments are not, and this can cause problems for your team. An equitable workplace is one where all types of workers have equal and fair access to opportunities and resources. Historically, equity was only considered in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In the post-Covid return-to-work context, you should consider the hybrid, virtual, and fully in-person workers and how to ensure an equitable workplace for all three categories. Here are a few characteristics of ..read more

I feel lucky that my career has allowed me to meet so many interesting, curious, and knowledgeable people. You will find several of them in this roundup of podcasts and interviews that I joined. 1. Future of leadership for product managers I was honored to be invited by Chad McAllister from Product Mastery as a guest for his webinar on trends influencing the future leadership. This conversation discussed why product managers must know about the future of leadership, the big trends that are driving leadership change, what exactly current leadership looks like, and how leaders can encourage em ..read more

There are several major demographic trends in today’s workplace, such as Baby Boomer retirement, organizations losing female talent and the increasing need for workplace flexibility. Perhaps the most profound trend, however, is the fact that the United States is transitioning from a nation whose majority population is white to a nation in which the majority of the population will soon be people of color. So-called minorities accounted for 92 percent of the nation’s population growth in the last decade. They are now the majority of residents in four states, 3 ..read more

“What’s the business case for DEI?” is one of the most common questions we hear. Investing in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leads to cost savings through reduced attrition and absenteeism, and faster, less expensive recruiting; it also contributes to the top line as well. Dozens of studies from respected sources have revealed the business benefits related to DEI so we’ve compiled 16+ studies that show why DEI is a revenue engine. McKinsey’s 2020 report: Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters analysts found that, “Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive t ..read more

Diversity is a hot topic right now. Before you dive into diversity and inclusion conversations, it’s important to understand the terms and words you use in these crucial conversations. To help, we’ve provided you with this glossary of terms. Access Creating the necessary conditions so that individuals and organizations desiring to, and who are eligible to, use services, facilities, programs and employment opportunities. Ally A person of one social identity group who stands up in support of members of another group, typically a member of dominant identity advocating and supporting a marginali ..read more

By Allan Schweyer, Senior Executive Consultant  Over the past 30+ years, I’ve observed that great leaders help each employee, manager, and colleague identify known and hidden biases that might lead to acts of discrimination, microaggression, or exclusion. The best leaders exhibit honesty and courage by going beyond rote training modules to educate everyone in the historic fact of systemic racism; not to shame the majority but to build perspective and empathy. This remains rare, however. So how do leaders and organizations do it? You’ve probably seen it first hand: leadership sets the cl ..read more