Let's Talk About The BRUNO In Organizations

In Europe, it is common that many organizations are focusing on gender equality/equity and the gender pay gap due to EU legislation and directives. However, the gaps related to gender diversity are experienced differently by different people.?

In Europe, it is challenging to have access to data where we can also see intersectionality due to GDPR.?

Before you start with ……..I said it was challenging; I did not say that it was impossible. It is important for organizations to disclose the steps they are taking to anonymize the data and keep the data secure.?

?My hope for the future is that we will be able to show data like this study (image above) from McKinsey & Lean In . We can't address a problem without the data.??

This is not the BRUNO I am referring to. I am referring to the topic of RACISM. Most of the time, when it is mentioned or addressed, it causes resistance among people. Some people refer to racism as a punch in the gut. Addressing racism has become the "We don't talk about Bruno in the workplace."??

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The reason why I am addressing racism in this article has to do with something that most of us saw on television or heard via (social) media.?Three years ago, I found myself confronted with a harsh reality when my 6-year-old son Orlando witnessed a disturbing scene on television that exposed him to the harsh reality of racism.??

His shocked expression made me realize that we, as parents, could no longer postpone discussing this topic. While I anticipated having this conversation eventually, I never expected it to arrive so soon.

In 2020, many organizations made public pledges to prioritize and amplify Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, by 2023, it seems that DEI has not received the sustained attention it deserves. This is disheartening, as a lack of commitment to DEI can lead to significant challenges for companies, including high turnover rates, "quiet quitting," toxic workplace cultures, and damaging employer branding.?

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To address these challenges and uphold the initial promises made, it is essential for organizations to continue investing in DEI and actively work towards creating inclusive environments.?The following five tips can serve as a starting point for you and your organization to mitigate racism in the workplace and foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive atmosphere for all employees.?

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1. Implement impactful unconscious bias training: Provide impactful workshops and interactive sessions to educate employees about implicit biases and how they can affect decision-making in the workplace. Use real-life scenarios like the?Amplify Empathy ?training, role-playing, and case studies to demonstrate the impact of such biases on hiring, promotions, team dynamics, and customer interactions. Encourage self-reflection and promote strategies for recognizing and mitigating these biases.?
2. Create diverse and inclusive interview panels: Assemble interview panels with diverse representation in terms of race, gender, age, and background. This will help reduce potential biases in the hiring process and ensure that candidates are evaluated fairly. It also demonstrates the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it more attractive to potential employees.?
3. Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs: Pair employees from underrepresented groups with experienced mentors or sponsors who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy for career advancement. This helps create opportunities for growth, fosters an inclusive environment, and encourages diverse employees to take on leadership roles.?
4. Celebrate and acknowledge cultural diversity: Organize events, workshops, and team-building exercises that celebrate various cultures, traditions, and experiences. Encourage employees to share their backgrounds and stories, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for diversity. This can also help raise awareness about different cultural norms and practices, promoting understanding and empathy among team members.?
5. Measure and track progress: Establish diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics to monitor initiatives' effectiveness and identify improvement areas. These may include employee demographics, representation in leadership roles, attrition rates, and employee engagement scores. Regularly review these metrics and set realistic targets for improvement, holding leaders accountable for progress.?

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In conclusion, the journey toward mitigating racism and fostering a truly inclusive workplace is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, commitment, and collaboration from all stakeholders.?

While strides have been made in promoting gender equality and addressing the gender pay gap in Europe, it is crucial to recognize the unique experiences of individuals who face additional challenges due to their race or ethnicity.??

Organizations must prioritize DEI initiatives, leverage data responsibly while respecting privacy concerns, and actively work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all employees.??

By implementing the suggested tips, companies can make significant progress in mitigating racism, ultimately fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.?

The responsibility lies with each of us to break the silence surrounding racism, create open dialogues, and contribute to positive change within our organizations and society as a whole.?

?Take the time to watch this impactful?video featuring Torin Ellis , a renowned DEI?strategist, as he discusses the Tribute to George Floyd. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and confronting systemic racism while emphasizing the need for empathy, understanding, and collective action.

The fight against racism and inequality is an ongoing process, requiring continuous learning and active involvement from all individuals, organizations, and communities. ?

Share your insights from this video in the comments. ?

Empower Your Workplace with Amplify DEI Card Deck – Become a Change Agent Today!

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords – they're essential ingredients for creating a thriving and successful workplace.?

Advocating for DEI in your organization and community is crucial for fostering a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Introducing the Amplify DEI Card Deck , a powerful tool designed to help you enhance your DEI skills and understanding. By using these innovative cards, you'll experience improved communication, better team collaboration, and increased awareness of DEI issues in society.

The Amplify DEI Cards offer a simple and effective way to build your DEI knowledge and expertise. Each card presents thought-provoking questions and scenarios that will challenge you to think critically about diversity, equity, and inclusion.?

As you engage with these cards, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for different perspectives and experiences, enabling you to become a more empathetic and inclusive leader.

Now is the time to take action!?

Embrace the opportunity to become a change agent in your organization by leveraging the?Amplify DEI Card Deck ?as your go-to resource for transformation. Let's create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world, one card at a time.

Ready to make an impact? Order your?Amplify DEI Card Deck ?today and start your journey toward becoming a DEI champion!

Amplify DEI

The Amplify DEI Newsletter is a newsletter that focuses on amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to activate and apply the inclusive mindset. Vivian Acquah is also known as the Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate (aka speaker, moderator, coach, facilitator). She is committed to making topics related to workplace wellness & DEI accessible to everyone.?

Her last name means water, and yes from to time she is being hired to put out fires related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her unique value is that she provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, especially when you want to prevent these fires from happening.?

If you'd like to get more information about workshops, speaking engagements, panels, or consultancy customized to meet your organizational needs, please?click here ?to learn how Vivian can support you.

Feel free to share this newsletter with anybody you think will benefit from it.?

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer/Warning:?it is important to share that Vivian Acquah is known for mentioning food a couple of times during a conversation, workshop, or training.

Vivian can’t be held responsible for any (unhealthy) cravings. Have your snacks ready when reading her posts or when talking to her.?

Reach out, and let’s amplify DEI together by taking action right now.

Free resources to activate or boost your DEI journey

• Amplifying People Planet Profit Now!
• Best DEI Coaching: Supporting Leaders in Activating Their DEI Muscle
• 6 Crucial steps to create and activate your DEI roadmap