I’m excited and honored to be invited to speak and facilitate an interactive virtual session on BRAVE conversations about Race and Inclusion in the Workplace for the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Jacksonville. As an African American woman with lived’ experience in Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits involving talent management and talent development, this is a critical time where understanding and action are key.
Social justice and racial equality are more than just hot topics on social media. Employees are talking about these issues in the workplace, and employers can bolster their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by providing a safe space for workers to have respectful and honest conversations.
The Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM’s) recent report, The Journey to Equity and Inclusion, found a need for more awareness in the workplace about racial inequality. Significantly, almost half of Black HR professionals (47 percent) said they do not feel safe voicing their opinions about racial justice issues in the workplace, while only a little more than one-quarter of white HR professionals (28 percent) say the same. Black and white workers generally agreed, however, that discussions about race can be uncomfortable.
“But by thoughtfully cultivating these discussions and implementing what is learned, HR and other business leaders can guide our workplaces into a new era of honesty, respect, understanding, and inclusion,” said SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, in the report’s foreword.
Increased knowledge of methods to foster cultural awareness, encourage cultural sensitivity, and broaden viewpoints is one component in building your personal capability according to the new ATD Capability Model. Skill in adapting and adjusting attitude, perspective, to function effectively in diverse environments and dynamic situations are required in today’s global business climate.
JOIN ME! I’ll Be Having a BRAVE Conversation About Race and Inclusion with ATD and SHRM on August 26, 2021 11:30 AM EST.
NE Florida and Greater Atlanta Area Chapter Members the public, and guests of ATD & SHRM are welcome as we share our commitment to professional development across the region.
