Shaping the Future of Inclusive Workplaces

Hello and welcome to another edition of my LinkedIn newsletter!

This time, I’m sharing insights from a conversation I had with Mita Mallick, author of the book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace , a trailblazer in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space, on my Newsweek interview show, Better . Mita shared great perspective on how we can collectively work towards more inclusive workplaces:

Transforming DEI Myths into Actionable Insights

Mita challenges us to confront and debunk prevalent myths surrounding DEI efforts in our organizations. One striking example she shared revolves around the misconception that certain groups don't negotiate their salaries, highlighting the deeper issue of pay equity and negotiation dynamics. This conversation serves as a call to examine our own biases and practices, encouraging us to create environments where every employee feels empowered to advocate for themselves.

Navigating the Evolving Workplace Landscape

As the nature of work continues to shift towards more remote and hybrid models, Mita underscores the importance of reevaluating what inclusion means in this new context. True inclusion requires intentional efforts to ensure all team members, regardless of their physical location, feel connected, valued, and heard. It's a reminder that inclusion is not just a policy but a culture that needs nurturing and adaptation as our work environments evolve.

The Power of Allyship in Challenging Times

She also touched on the current backlash against DEI initiatives and the critical role of allyship in these moments. Mita's perspective reminds us that standing firm in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially when faced with resistance, is a testament to genuine allyship. This resilience is essential for creating workplaces where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

A Simple Yet Impactful Call to Action

An actionable step towards fostering inclusion is to take a closer look at our daily interactions and meetings. Mita encourages everyone to consider who we’re including in conversations and decision-making processes, and to be intentional about creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. This practice not only enriches our discussions but also reinforces a culture of inclusion.

As we reflect on these themes, let's commit to taking actionable steps towards inclusion, challenging outdated myths, and creating environments where every individual feels valued and heard.

Here's to building a more inclusive future together! And if you’d like to join my community, you can sign up for my mailing list here .

Wishing you health and success,

Dorie