5 Things / Not DEI
I had a conversation this week with a very kind senior DEI leader who wanted to help me help the company. They gave me some words to say that they thought might help get buy-in from the boss. This person encouraged me to pitch our Inclusive 360 Assessment as an “organizational improvement methodology”, not DEI. Our future work together as “change management”, not DEI.
All of this is true because our assessment examines the systems for gaps in equity and inclusion. What it delivers is a roadmap for meaningful systemic change and organizational improvement.
Not DEI. I’ve found that a lot of the organizations I speak to aren’t quite invested enough for “organizational improvement”, beyond changing the way they hire. We deliver a lot of workshops and keynotes to help establish that readiness, but those workshops are mostly about behavior change. About people. While that’s great, I know that will only move the needle so far.
Lily Zheng recently wrote about this in HBR – To Avoid DEI Backlash, Focus on Changing Systems — Not People. Organizational improvement, change management, systemic change, whatever you want to call it. We’re here for it.
Have you found that you've had to change your messaging around DEI to get buy-in?
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
A Colorado Ski Resort Is Opening a Day Care For Employees—and It Could Provide a Blueprint to Help Solve the Childcare Crisis
There’s a childcare shortage in the U.S., exacerbated by Covid. Many women, in particular, have chosen not to return to work because of the high cost of child care. Because of that, Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado established an onsite day care facility for employees. Having onsite day care isn’t especially unusual – but the story provides a blueprint for establishing one through public and private partnerships. It’s a wonderful model. This matters because families shouldn’t have to choose between work and child care.
Brown University Bans Caste Discrimination Throughout Campus in a First for the Ivy League
An increasing number of colleges are adding caste to their non-discrimination policies. Earlier this year, the entire University of California system added the protection, and recently, Brown University became the first Ivy League school to do the same. The caste system is a hierarchical system that originated in India but carries over to other societies, and to this today affects societal rank and opportunity. This matters because caste is a hidden form of oppression.
Ava DuVernay Becomes the First Black Woman on a Ben & Jerry's Pint with New Caramel Flavor
Ava DuVernay, Oscar-nominated filmmaker of films such as the must-watch “13th” (on Netflix) is the first Black woman to earn a spot on a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Beginning in January, she’ll be the star of the new flavor Lights! Caramel! Action! Proceeds from sales will benefit her nonprofit which promotes equity in the entertainment industry. This matters because it shows little Black girls more possibilities for them.
A Hundred UK Companies Sign Up for Four-Day Week with No Loss of Pay
A hundred companies in the UK have officially committed to a four-day workweek going forward, affecting 2,600 employees. This is a small fragment of the UK workforce but sets an important precedent for work-life balance. The program asks employees to accomplish all of their work in 4 days instead of 5, without working overtime, and with no loss of pay. Four-day workweek pilots and studies have proven an increase in productivity and well-being – and this matters to many employees who value balance and flexibility.
Anti-racism: When You Picture Doctors Without Borders, What Do You See?
Doctors Without Borders admitted that their marketing and fundraising materials have historically shown white doctors assisting Black people, perpetuating the myth of white saviorism. Materials even cropped out images of parents, showing doctors helping children as if they were powerless victims. It’s also not true – 80% of Doctors Without Borders colleagues are hired from the companies in which they work. Without any public pressure, Doctors Without Borders took responsibility for perpetuating myths and stereotypes and committed to doing better. This matters because it’s never too late to take responsibility for racism and commit to being an antiracist. (h/t to Lisa Ong for the share)
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