PURPOSEFUL HUSTLE BLOG

Chances are, your workplace tracks and measures many different things. It may track the effectiveness of its advertising, or the profitability of a certain product, or how many days of PTO its employees usually take each year. These metrics help guide the organization to make crucial decisions for the future—decisions that could affect its bottom line. So, why don’t we place this kind of emphasis on inclusivity? Some might argue that terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion are too hazy to measure. How is it possible to gauge inclusion? What does that look like? What metrics can you possibly use? This week, let's discuss 4 ways to measure workplace inclusion.

It’s human nature to seek comfort. Our brains have evolved to create strong bonds within our social group and to seek out similar individuals. This desire to stay within our comfort zone is stronger than ever during the holidays – a time when we’re surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. But while the holidays are a great time to relax and recharge, they’re also a perfect opportunity to step outside your bubble and mingle with people who you might not encounter on a daily basis. Why choose to expand your horizons and meet new people? Having one-on-one interactions with a variety of people is one of the best ways to combat deeply held biases (whether conscious or unconscious). When you’re exposed to people of different genders, races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, etc., you begin to realize that the world is a lot more complex (and interesting!) than you may have thought. You will also chip away at the unconscious biases you may hold. Here are five tips to help you step outside your comfort zone and meet new people during the holiday season:

The holiday season can be a joyful and uplifting time for some…and a time of exclusion and frustration for others. Traditionally, national and Christian-based holidays have taken center stage, with Christmas (a highly visible holiday) placed squarely in the spotlight. However, it’s becoming increasingly likely that not everyone in your workplace is Christian, and not everyone celebrates Christmas. Nearly one-quarter of Americans identify as “religiously unaffiliated,” while another 5 percent are part of a non-Christian religion. Not to mention, certain Christian sects, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, do not celebrate holidays. Even if the majority of people in your workplace celebrate Christmas, it’s important to be mindful and inclusive of those who do not. After all, workplace belonging is one of the most important factors in determining whether someone is likely to remain in their position or search for a new job. On the flipside, being sensitive to everyone’s holiday traditions and preferences does not mean canceling seasonal celebrations entirely. Instead, the holidays can be approached with empathy, an open mind, and the goal to be as inclusive as possible. Here are 5 ways to accomplish that (seemingly) big ask:

Lately, social media has (understandably!) been getting a bad rap. We’ve learned that Instagram has knowingly promoted unhealthy body images to young women; we know that Facebook has done very little to combat hate speech (and may even promote it!). And Twitter has been known to amplify anxiety and lead to deep-seated feelings of discontent and envy. But, take heart! There are still good and uplifting corners of social media. There are still influential change-makers who are using their social platforms to enact positive change. If you’d like to tailor your social media feed to be a little more empowering, try following some of these positive influencers:

Human capital is arguably the most important asset a business has. In ensuring you get the right people that align with your company’s goals, recruiters typically have a system they follow. They check the work experience of the candidate, skills relevant to the job opening and then match them accordingly--typical stuff.