April 23, 2009
Effective Steps in Developing a Diversity Commitment
In today’s environment, working with individuals is not enough. Cultural diversity in organizations means including people of different cultures, races, genders, generations, nationalities, styles and other attributes. Age, sex, race, culture and orientation cannot be viewed in isolation but as elements of a diverse work force. More importantly, a culturally diverse organization recognizes, supports, values and utilizes people’s differences and similarities in support of the organization’s objectives.
Are you providing a series of steps to initiate or modify a diversity program? Diversity focuses on valuing all people equally. Diversity answers the question- now that we have the people, how do we help them work together to be productive? Diversity programs are neither new nor are they all the same. There is more than one good approach. Below is the general outline to addressing this important subject and of course should be tailored to fit your culture.
Secure commitment
Assignment of qualified staff
Define the desired results and outcomes
Define internal environment
Establish a steering committee
Develop partnerships
Develop program
Conduct diversity program
Encourage department activities on diversity
Establish a speaker’s bureau
Tell the story and keep everyone informed
Hear advice from those who have done it
Keep the vision and act on it
If you’d like to understand how to implement this, give us a call. We have the best consultants, specifically Carla J. Wolin to help navigate these murky waters.
Carla J. Wolin is a Senior Human Resource Consultant for Colman & Company, and has over 25 years background in the fields of Human Resources, Training and Organizational Development. Her career experience includes major Fortune 100 companies such as Time-Warner and United Technologies Corporation as well as successful start ups. Ms. Wolin has been conducting programs addressing diversity and anti-harassment in the Denver area since 1993 both individually and jointly with employment attorneys. Additionally, Ms. Wolin has served as an expert witness in the Human Resources field.
References for other projects for diversity consulting:
Susan M. Schaecher, Stettner Miller PC
Kim Ritter, Minor & Brown
Lorraine Parker, Leventhal Brown & Puga PC
Elizabeth Starrs. Starrs, Mihm & Pulkrabek LLP
Enterprise Car Rental
Aimbridge Corporation
Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig
Kaiser-Hill, part of CH2M Hill: addressed both diversity and avoiding harassment in the workplace.
