Inclusive Workforce Development: The Rest of the DEI Story
DEI is not dead. But it has become a divisive term. Regardless of its intentions, society has turned it into a way to divide people rather than uniting them. This is leading some to question the movement, with roots that can be traced to the 1960s, the start of workplace diversity training, equal employment laws and affirmative action.
Listen to Sailu Timbo with Creative Planning Business Services as he helps us navigate these turbulent waters. Are DEI initiatives still needed? What do I do with my VP of DEI to make him or her productive in this new landscape? We need to be thoughtful about culture. The need for an inclusive workforce that welcomes EVERYONE regardless of race, color or creed has never been greater.
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Have all the moves and changes in DEI programming and strategy, the thought process and methodology behind it, over time, perhaps done more damage than good – putting the movement on “life support”? How can we get back to making decisions based on their impact on businesses and communities, and move forward together?
From questions surrounding the battle around affirmative action, systemic changes that have occurred, and need to be careful about forming knee-jerk reactions, there is more dialogue and understanding around DEI – and its future in workforce development – to be had.
Workforce Development: Culture and Inclusion
According to a recent Fast Company article, 60% of human resources executive survey respondents noted they will spend more on DEI efforts in 2024. In manufacturing, finding people and recruiting talent is all the rage. The author looks closely at trends including how better decision making, innovation and support can be effectively facilitated throughout an organization via the development of “diverse” teams.
For Sailu, the real DEI good stuff is tied to “culture and inclusion.” He says the focus should be on belonging, an original byproduct of DEI, as opposed to where the trouble likely began – emphasizing differences. Employee engagement and retention across ALL demographics is crucial. When it comes to recruiting talent and finding people, the DEI conversation must be viewed from all angles, not quotas – not merely an “optic or belief.”
A full assessment of an individual and how they can do their job, align with their role within the organization, find support, that sense of belonging, and a true workplace connection. “I’m not skipping anyone by saying ‘everybody,’” Sailu says.
Tune in with Host Leisa Fox, Sailu Timbo
In this week’s podcast, we get intentional about addressing the need to stop creating false DEI milestones, generating a renewed focus on recruiting and hiring the “best” people, working to increase employee engagement and retention across all demographics – all key. Supporting people, building bridges not walls, and letting them do their jobs.
Sailu, the son of an immigrant from Sierra Leone, after years with Hy-Vee and staring boldly into the future, has a very salient perspective on the issue. Lean in with Leisa Fox, host of The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, as she interviews Sailu and garners amazing input on the “rest of the DEI story.”
For more information, contact Sailu at Sailu.Timbo@creativeplanning.com or call him at 515-380-7240.