Black History Month: Let’s Continue the Forward Momentum Together
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions of Black people in this country. It’s also an opportunity to shine a light on both the progress we've made towards creating inclusive and diverse workplaces and the work we still have left to do. Experts are concerned about the “obstacles” that stand in the way of leaders keeping up the momentum of these efforts. Here are three challenges that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) advocates have to tackle:
Push back: Even though more attention has been given to DEI lately, there are still those who are resistant to change. They may deny the existence of bias in the workplace, or just not understand why DEI is important. This can make it harder to create an inclusive environment.
Lack of follow-through: Companies make big promises about DEI all the time, but it can be tough to hold leaders accountable for their actions. Without any way to measure progress, leaders might not feel motivated to keep working towards change.
Not enough resources: DEI is a long-term project that requires ongoing effort and resources. Unfortunately, many companies don't invest enough money, staff, or training to support DEI programs. This can limit how effective these programs are, and make it harder to make real change.
It’s up to leaders to be dedicated to DEI to overcome these obstacles. This means being honest about progress and where there’s still room for improvement, involving employees at every level, and continuing to invest resources. By doing so, companies can create workplaces that truly reflect the diverse communities they serve.
