This is part 3 of the series “Amateurs talk strategy. Professionals talk logistics.” Logistics serve as the foundational building blocks that transform diversity talent management strategies from paper to practice. For example, if an organization has a strategy to nurture an inclusive work environment, the logistics needed to actualize this strategy may involve constructing a diversity-centric recruitment policy, designing inclusive performance assessment mechanisms, delivering diversity and inclusion training programs, and establishing effective feedback channels. Without these logistical aspects in place, a strategy may fail to incite meaningful action and merely remain a theoretical document. Here are a few concrete recommendations and examples:
Diversity-Centric Recruitment Policy
What: A diversity-centric recruitment policy ensures that an organization is committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels.
How: Develop and implement a policy that outlines clear and measurable diversity recruitment goals. This policy should also address the recruitment channels, partnership with diverse hiring agencies, and inclusion of diverse interview panels.
Example: Johnson & Johnson’s recruitment policy reflects its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company publicly shares its diversity and inclusion goals, strategies, and progress to ensure transparency and accountability.
Inclusive Performance Assessment Mechanisms
What: Performance assessment mechanisms should be free of bias and focus on the capabilities and performance of the individual rather than personal characteristics.
How: Create a structured and standardized performance evaluation system. Implementing tools such as multi-rater feedback can provide a more holistic view of performance.
Example: Adobe Systems implemented a ‘check-in’ system, where employees receive feedback regularly from different team members, promoting a bias-free and inclusive evaluation process.
Diversity and Inclusion Training Programs
What: These programs aim to educate employees about the importance of diversity and inclusion and provide them with the tools to promote an inclusive work environment.
How: Regularly conduct mandatory diversity and inclusion training for all employees. Such training should include modules on unconscious bias, cultural competence, and practical strategies for fostering an inclusive work environment.
Example: Airbnb’s ‘Another Belonging’ training program is mandatory for all its employees. This program is designed to help employees understand and tackle unconscious bias and foster a more inclusive work environment.
Effective Feedback Channels
What: Feedback channels allow employees to voice their opinions, concerns, or ideas, promoting inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels heard.
How: Establish multiple channels for employees to share feedback, such as surveys, suggestion boxes, and regular one-on-one meetings. Ensure anonymity to make employees feel safe when providing feedback.
Example: Microsoft’s annual company-wide anonymous survey, Microsoft Pulse, enables all employees to share their views about the company’s culture, including their perspectives on diversity and inclusion.
Logistics are the bridge that connects diversity talent management strategy to its implementation. By understanding and applying these operational aspects, organizations can evolve their diversity strategies from abstract ideas to concrete actions, fostering a truly inclusive workplace.
