5 Things / A New Look
Much of the diversity, equity, and inclusion conversation focuses on the D, and many organizations' public commitments are related to diversity targets. But it's difficult to hit the diversity targets if the culture isn't one where underrepresented employees can thrive. I'm sure you know this already, but Twitter is an example of this in action.
Twitter's percentage of Black and Latinx employees each grew by about 2.5%, year over year. That might not seem like a lot, but it's actually significant. How did they do it?
First, Twitter established a work from anywhere policy for all positions. That immediately broadens the talent pool. Employees no longer needed to live in high-priced cities. Candidates with disabilities are also likelier to apply for positions. They also required at least one woman and BIPOC in the final slate of three candidates for all positions above entry-level. Finally, they tied executive pay to hitting these diversity targets.
In other words, to increase diversity, they made policy changes to build more inclusion (work from anywhere), create greater equity (diverse candidate requirement), with a healthy dose of accountability (executive pay). That's how it's done.
Taco Bell starts its own business school for employees
Taco Bell, in partnership with the University of Louisville, has a new business school specifically for Taco Bell employees. The ultimate goal is to help these employees learn critical business skills and ultimately become franchise owners (and build their own wealth). Current managers can apply to the six-week program and receive a scholarship from Taco Bell to attend. This matters because it's creating opportunity and greater equity for front-line employees who are traditionally undervalued.
Big wins for IKEA
IKEA is thriving with high employee satisfaction and retention. This is in large part due to their inclusive policies such as paternal leave in India, same-sex partner benefits in Japan, and refugee skill-building and language training. They also took great care of their employees during the pandemic. Half of the management positions are held by women. IKEA is doing a lot of things right. This matters because taking care of employees always matter.
Ban of gay chants at futbol games
Once when I was in Mexico City, I went to a futbol game. It was an exhilarating experience, all of it. But one thing I noted was this stadium-wide chant any time the opposing team did something great. I quickly learned that this term was a gay slur. Well, it's now been banned by the Mexican Football Federation, with fans facing a ban of up to 5 years from the stadium. This matters because it tells fans that word is not OK and hopefully this, in turn, protects young LGBTQ people.
PPE Hijabs are now available.
Last year I wrote about a disposable hijab found at the Mayo Clinic. Now PPE hijabs are available. I love the thoughtfulness of this product. This matters because it enables Muslim women to be more self-expressed and authentic at work.