We have all been going through a lot recently. There are tons of information being thrown at us. Some workers are reporting back to work or will be reporting back in the near future. Please be safe and remain well. Do what makes you feel comfortable!
Throughout this entire ordeal, we must keep up the conversations surrounding inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, and engagement. It is my commitment to keep the conversations alive. Now more than ever, we must embrace inclusivity and a diverse environment, either if we are physically working at our office or from home.
I discovered this image on Brene Brown’s Instagram and immediately gravitated towards it. Brene thanked @ashlukadraws for allowing her to use this image of Ahmaud Arbery and his mother,
Wanda Cooper-Jones. I’ve been following the tragic and unfortunate murder of Ahmaud Arbery, which must be any parent’s nightmare. This senseless murder happened while he was going out for a run. It is a tragedy and unfortunately has become a stark reality for Black families across the country. We must demand that our country fight racism and bigotry. I wish I had all the answers.
I’m a believer in sharing our stories and embracing an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment. I believe by sharing our stories and our vulnerabilities, we will learn that we have a lot more in common than differences. I promise that I will continue and commit to use my privilege to help marginalized groups.
Because creating an inclusive environment is essential, I recommend the following programs and certificates:
COVID-19 has changed how we work almost overnight, possibly forever. For many suddenly adjusting to working remotely, anxiety, isolation, and the need for human connection is at an all-time high. WorkHuman is offering mission-critical solutions that replace isolation with recognition, connection, and celebration. And they’re doing it for free through March 2021.The WorkHuman Cloud is an employee recognition platform that:
Helps employees stay connected and motivated through peer-to-peer recognition and continuous performance feedback
Allows employees to celebrate life’s moments from wherever they’re working
Improves culture, engagement, and retention at hundreds of organizations throughout the world
While I do have some differences and concerns with SHRM, I highly recommend the following complimentary SHRM Certificates:
The SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work Certificate, developed for HR professionals, hiring managers, and front-line supervisors, is a multi-faceted program from the SHRM Foundation and brought to you with generous support from Comcast NBCUniversal. Through this certificate program you will: Learn the value that skilled veterans bring to the civilian workplace and Demonstrate your commitment to attract, hire and retain these talented professionals.
This free, multi-faceted educational program will increase your knowledge and skills to hire, develop, advance and retain individuals with disabilities. The SHRM Foundation, in partnership with the Workplace Initiative By Understood, presents this Certificate as an introduction to the benefits and implementation of disability inclusion in the workplace. See attached article by HRDIVE regarding workers with disabilities see disproportionate COVID-19 job losses
CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and includes the I Act On pledge for any individual to take. As the Founder/Owner of AllThingzAP, I am happy to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We should advance these concepts not only in the workforce, but in our personal lives and in our communities. CEO Action has great information and resources. Please click here for details.
Some news & Announcements
In addition, some states like CT are releasing the re-opening guidelines for businesses, which includes a new online certification that employers must complete before re-opening the physical workplace. The certification seeks more information than what would usually be required of employers. It asks if this is a women-owned business, minority business enterprise, and/or a veteran owner business. No reason is provided. Click here to read Daniel Schwartz's blog for further info.
The EEOC has established this page to consolidate relevant coronavirus and COVID-19 information and to answer questions from the public about the EEO laws and COVID-19.
The Most Inclusive HR Influencer List Preview: Diversity in Top HR Influencers by Social Micole is coming out soon. Click here for details. It was such a delight to discover that I made this formidable list last year. As the world pushes for an increase in diversity, inclusion, and belonging within our own organizations, we must remember to push for greater diversity outside our organizations – with our suppliers, contractors, and the voices of our influencers, as well. That’s why Social Micole compiled The Most Inclusive HR Influencer List.
Upcoming Virtual Events
Virtual Complimentary Diversity & Inclusion Panel Discussion with Best Selling Authors, Tayo Rockson & Minda Harts, moderated by myself and Judy Elliott-Pugh. This event is hosted by the North Jersey-Rockland SHRM Chapter on May 20th at 6 PM EST. Click here for details. Space is limited.
Steering Towards Inclusivity While Driving Towards Success on 5/28th at 3 EST, 247Compliance, Virtual Webinar. Click here for details.
Please be safe, vigilant, and optimistic during these trying times.