Many companies have developed and acted on diversity initiatives because it’s the right thing to do, because it’s time, or because company leadership recognizes the positive and productive impacts of diversity. Besides it being generally the right thing to do, diversity does encourage, and nearly ensures, better outcomes. The products and services we offer and sell and the advancements we make become stronger and better when more voices, abilities and experiences are standing behind them. The statistics and data are out there, and it’s all been talked to death.
So yes, we can talk all we want about the benefits of diversity in the workplace. But now, it’s time that the leaders, innovators, and investors in Pittsburgh and our ever-expanding technology community, and as good citizens here in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, walk the walk as well. If we’re going to innovate with advancements and improvements that change and enhance people’s lives, then we have to change and enhance people’s lives by innovating within the walls where it happens. It’s important that we actually foster diversity in the workplace, not just talk about it. Sometimes it’s not easy to take that next step—and that’s exactly what makes it so necessary.
Fostering diversity in our workplaces is about more than what employees are hired and how. It’s more than a conversation about hiring people who check off a set of predetermined criteria on a list—it’s about cultivating an environment that makes diverse individuals from all walks of life want to work for companies before their hiring managers set out to look for them. Fostering diversity requires going far beyond the hiring process and building out an inclusive, comfortable home that is designed to work for everyone. It means taking everything each unique individual brings into the workplace and developing a workplace culture where what you do, how you work, and what you put out into the world are all rooted in the diverse experiences of many.
Getting this right requires a thorough examination of existing practices and applications, and it can’t be accomplished in a hiring checklist, in a single conversation, or even in this article. But if you want to actually foster diversity in your workplace, instead of just talking about it, if you want your company to be more inclusive and representative of the world around you, here are some ideas for advancing your commitment to the cause.
Hold each other accountable
It doesn’t feel good to be called out. But it does feel good to know that we are working to improve and continue improving on our practices and processes. That’s why we need to hold ourselves and each other accountable for hiring that goes beyond quotas, for recognizing potential and for promoting and mentoring individuals in ways that will help break down barriers. It’s important that we hold each other accountable without accusation, shame, or blame, but with an understanding that we are all in this together and we are all learning as we go.
Hire differently
Diversity goes far beyond gender and race, though these are important factors that should not be overlooked and are often gateways to inviting more people to sit at the table. It includes people of life experiences that differ from our own; socioeconomic, gender identity and sexual identity, neurodiversity, cognitive diversity, people who are differently abled, and diversity of thought. These unique perspectives will often lead to greater creativity. Think about what workplace opportunities you’re creating for people of all different experiences and abilities and what you could offer, or where you can improve.
Create a culture of inclusion
For diversity to work and work well, we have to foster a culture of inclusion too. That means intentionally creating a workplace environment that feels safe and welcoming for everyone to express their truest selves, to share their viewpoints and experiences, and to voice concerns and challenges without fear of consequences.
Diversity can’t be just a box to check off, and we can’t just talk about the benefits, though there are many. Fostering diversity is a long-term practice that requires you to challenge yourself and your ways of doing business as usual - as well as that of your peers.