Changes

*Creating a Diversity Community

*Become Involved in the Community

== 3. GROUND RULES CAN HELP CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT: ==

== 4. DIVERSITY PROGRAMS MUST BE ALIGNED WITH STRATEGIC PLANS: ==

One of the keys to the long-term success of a diversity program is to develop a diversity strategy using the same deliberate goal-setting processes used to formulate traditional business-related goals. Strategic plans around diversity should include quantitative goals along with specific timelines for reaching benchmarks and measuring progress, all of which provide direction and promote action by employees. And, having a well-defined strategy will help your business attain its goals, whether those goals are to provide better service to clients, create a more inclusive workplace culture, recruit and retain highly-qualified and talented diverse employees, and/or implement programs which will create a pipeline of talent for the future.

== 5. CREATE A DIVERSITY COMMITTEE: ==

Employee buy-in is essential to accomplishing the goals of your diversity program. One way to achieve this buy-in is to create a stand-alone diversity committee comprised of members representing all facets of your organization’s workforce, not just your top executives, and make sure your organization’s leadership plays a visible role. Empower the diversity committee to develop a diversity statement which is consistent with your strategic goals and empower the committee to develop programs to support diversity. Such programs may include lunch and learns with featured speakers, diversity workshops, mentoring, community outreach programs and the creation of workplace affinity and employee resource groups.

== 5. BECOME INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY: ==

Encourage employees to participate in professional and civic organizations that promote diversity. Involvement with these organizations not only provides excellent networking opportunities, it also fosters collaborations that may enhance access to a larger pool of diverse candidates. Community involvement has the added benefit of strengthening relationship among employees as they come together to serve groups they are passionate about.

== 6. EFFECTIVENESS OF HAVING DIVERSITY IN WORKFORCE: ==

A more diverse workforce will increase organizational effectiveness. It will lift morale, bring greater access to new segments of the marketplace, and enhance productivity. In short, they claim, diversity will be good for business.

 

=== DEEPTHY KRISHNA ===

=== Danielle Jeffers ===