What do you do if your environmental engineering team lacks diversity and inclusivity?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to assess your current situation. You need to collect and analyze data on the demographic and cultural composition of your team, as well as the perceptions and experiences of your team members. You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods to gather this information. You should also benchmark your team against the industry standards and best practices, and identify any gaps or challenges that need to be addressed.

2 Set clear and realistic goals

The second step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to set clear and realistic goals. You need to define what diversity and inclusivity mean for your team, and how they align with your vision, mission, and values. You should also establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that reflect your desired outcomes. For example, you may want to increase the representation of women, people of color, or people with disabilities in your team, or improve the retention, engagement, or satisfaction of your team members.

3 Implement effective strategies

The third step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to implement effective strategies. You should design action plans to address the root causes and barriers that hinder diversity and inclusivity, while also monitoring progress and evaluating impact. Examples of successful strategies include recruiting from diverse sources with inclusive criteria and processes, providing training and mentoring on topics such as cultural awareness, bias, communication, and teamwork, creating a safe environment for expression of opinions and experiences, recognizing contributions and achievements, and celebrating diversity. Adjustments can be made as needed.

4 Seek feedback and support

The fourth step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to seek feedback and support. You need to communicate with your team members, stakeholders, clients, and partners regularly, and solicit their input and feedback on your diversity and inclusivity efforts. You should also acknowledge their concerns and suggestions, and address them promptly and respectfully. You should also seek support from external sources, such as professional associations, networks, consultants, or mentors, who can offer you guidance, resources, or best practices.

5 Review and improve

The fifth step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to review and improve. You need to conduct periodic reviews and assessments of your diversity and inclusivity goals, strategies, and outcomes, and measure their effectiveness and impact. You should also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team, and the opportunities and threats for your team. You should also celebrate your successes and learn from your failures, and continuously seek ways to improve your diversity and inclusivity performance.

6 Foster a culture of diversity and inclusivity

The sixth and final step to improve the diversity and inclusivity of your environmental engineering team is to foster a culture of diversity and inclusivity. You need to embed the values and principles of diversity and inclusivity in your team's norms, behaviors, and practices, and make them part of your team's identity and reputation. You should also encourage your team members to embrace and appreciate the diversity and inclusivity of your team, and to act as ambassadors and advocates for your team. You should also inspire your team members to pursue excellence and innovation, and to leverage the diversity and inclusivity of your team to achieve your goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?