Diversity consulting firm Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC) has published a white paper to help organisations emerge stronger from the pandemic through inclusive and equitable strategies. Entitled Emerge Stronger: Architecting a More Inclusive & Equitable Future of Work, the white paper aims to help leaders, HR and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) professionals/champions to create an inclusive and equitable culture of belonging within an organisation in the “new” normal.
“The resilience we have built through our labour to create a more equitable world is fuelling us right now, and equipping us in a unique way,” stated JBC’s CEO & Founder Jennifer Brown. Amidst so much uncertainty about the future, Brown hopes to “unleash a new generation of allies and co-champions who will work to improve access for all – not just on paper, but with concrete and visible actions and commitments”, which will ultimately allow more contributors and voices to participate in the workforce. She also hopes that mental health will finally get the attention and resources they deserve.
LEADING IN TIMES OF CRISIS
Far from an “equaliser,” the coronavirus pandemic is magnifying preexisting social inequities tied to various diversity dimensions, according to the report. Minorities and marginalised groups are particularly vulnerable to more severe impacts, as economic disparities rooted in systemic inequalities will compound the effects. Marginalised groups are more likely than the general population to live in poverty and lack access to adequate medical care, paid medical leave and basic necessities.
This data is vital to understand the extent to which there are disparities in access to health and economic relief during crises, which will ultimately shape response and relief efforts, according to Brown. As well as exploring how other leaders are responding to these issues, the white paper covers DE&I strategies, such as inclusive leadership, employee resource groups (ERGs), DE&I strategies, virtual work, allyship and mental health to help build resilience in the current crisis.
It also answers vital questions that leaders, HR and DE&I/wellbeing champions are currently grappling with, such as:
- How we can continue to lead inclusively through times of crisis and change?
- How we can use the DE&I lens as a powerful tool to tackle an uncertain, unpredictable future of work?
- How we can support those being disproportionately affected during these unprecedented times?
Click here to download a copy of the white paper.
DE&I DISCUSSIONS
JCB has also been holding weekly virtual events for DE&I leaders on why inclusion matters now more than ever before. Topics that are explored in these sessions include:
- How we can continue to lead inclusively in this unprecedented moment?
- How we can mitigate speed as one of the worst enablers of bias as we make rapid changes to the way we work?
- How we can adapt DE&I events, training, and programming for the online space?
- How we can better support employees who are parents and caregivers?
- How we can mobilise in solidarity with those who are being disproportionately affected right now?
- How we can combat racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and discrimination in our workplaces – and beyond?
- How we can practice self-care as we battle anxiety and fear?
Click here for more information.
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