5 Things / Comms
My guest on 5 Things in 15 Minutes this week is Catharine Montgomery, whose consultancy focuses specifically on “using communications to achieve equity.” I’m so excited for this conversation, especially when the headlines urge us to believe that DEI is under attack.
How do you officially communicate to your internal and external stakeholders about topics like war, racism, anti-LGBTQ legislation, disability access, and more? How do you communicate with substance in your messaging? How do organizations decide when to take a stand, and how to do so without being accused of performativity? And how do you do it all using the right language, the most up-to-date terminology, without culturally appropriating anybody?
There’s a nuance to that work, and Catharine’s going to help us answer these questions and communicate with confidence and authenticity. I’m always still learning and often have more questions than answers, so I hope you’ll join me in learning together.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Big Bonuses for Delta Employees
Delta made headlines with a staggering $1.4 billion bonus for its employees, nearly doubling last year's payout. This move showcases the airline's commitment to sharing success and boosting morale. Delta's profit-sharing program aims to rectify injustices by distributing wealth more equitably among its workforce. Its consistent payouts reinforce its employee-centric approach and are a departure from the historical oppression and exploitation of workers in the industry.
Four-Day Workweek Sticks
The world's largest four-day workweek trial in the UK yielded lower stress and higher job satisfaction and initially stunned skeptics. A year later, over 60 companies continued to embrace the concept, with 89% of companies from the trial still operating over four days. Workers report improved well-being and work-life balance, while businesses enjoy increased revenue and retention rates. This is especially beneficial to the 73% of the workforce that are caregivers. We’ll see if the four-day week continues to gain traction – and if it does, you can be sure to read about it right here in 5 Things!
Breaking Barriers in Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, founded by CEO Fawn Weaver, became the top-selling Black-owned spirits brand globally. With a valuation of $900 million, it's led by a Black woman in an industry dominated by white men. Named after the first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green, the brand emphasizes long-term legacy over short-term gains. Weaver's vision aims for permanence, challenging the trend of Black-owned brands being acquired by white-owned companies. Fawn is an inspiration and sets a precedent for future generations.
Churches Teach Black History in Florida
In defiance of Florida's restrictive education laws, nearly 300 churches are spearheading Black history lessons. Led by Faith in Florida, this grassroots initiative combats Governor Ron DeSantis' push to limit race-inclusive education. Through an online toolkit, churches offer resources ranging from books to documentaries, preserving Black heritage and countering erasure. This movement revives a tradition of social justice activism within the Black church, empowering individuals to grasp their legacy and celebrate their history. There will always be creative resilience in the face of systemic oppression.
Starbucks Re-Designs Store for Inclusion
Starbucks rolls out a fresh store design prioritizing accessibility and inclusion. The inaugural site in D.C.'s Union Market boasts power-operated doors, lowered counters for wheelchair users, and voice-assist checkout. A revamped brewing system offers tactile feedback for employees’ easier use. Digital boards update customers on order status, while improved lighting and insulation enhance ambiance and reduce noise. Starbucks worked with customers, employees, and accessibility experts to develop the so-called Inclusive Spaces Framework. The guidelines will be open-sourced and continue to evolve to further expand accessibility in the retail sector, and other Starbucks locations. Remember, all of this is good for everyone, not just those with disabilities. (h/t to Karen Catlin for this one)
This Week’s Call to Action:
If you have Paramount+ streaming, check out the TV show Bet on Black. It’s like Shark Tank but for Black entrepreneurs. Target is a big sponsor and one of their employees was a judge. The company that makes our client gifts competed in the most recent season…no major spoilers but they did quite well.