Promoting Diversity and Racial Equity in the Workplace

Hiring a diverse team is essential to foster creativity and innovation, even more important is to reflect the communities that you serve.  Here are some ideas on how to celebrate and encourage diversity in your workplace.

Understand diversity. Remember that diversity not only includes race – it also includes gender, age, physical abilities, and religious, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds.

Measure it. Measurement gives an objective look at the level of diversity your company currently has at each level, and where improvements can be made to promote diversity and racial equity.

Survey employees. Understand how your employees view your company’s culture and diversity and be willing to make changes if needed.

Be accountable. As a business leader, it’s your duty to take action toward creating a workplace that fosters inclusion. Recognize where improvements could be made and create a plan of action to improve.

Attract diversity. It is important for your business to show that it welcomes diversity by including culturally diverse messaging in external materials as well as getting involved in the community.

Expand your reach. Include job listings in newspapers and employment publications that reach a wide audience. Websites such as diversityworking.com ensure minority job seekers will see your listing.

Create a safe space. Encourage employees to speak up about concerns without fear of being attacked or discounted. Studies show that psychological safety in the workplace enhances learning, innovation and performance.

Include diversity at all levels. A diverse upper management team encourages employee retention since it shows employees that they have an equal opportunity to grow and achieve their professional goals.

Implement training. Offer training for managers about unconscious bias and inclusive interviewing practices. There are many online training tools available, or consider hiring a professional to speak on the topic over videoconference.

Offer resources. The University of Arizona provides information and links to outside resources on diversity and inclusion at diversity.arizona.edu.

Cox celebrates the diversity in our company many ways such as our employee-driven diversity councils, highlighting the impact many Latino employees and local leaders make in the community during Hispanic Heritage Month, and participating and supporting many PRIDE and Asian American events throughout the year.

Susan Anable is Cox Communications Vice President of Public Affairs, Southwest Region. She Cox utilizes Instagram to tell stories, share product updates and create connections with our customers.