Kathy Albarado’s Post

DEI DEI, which stands for diversity, equality, and inclusion, is a key priority for businesses who recognize the business and moral importance of attempting to level the playing field. Such leaders understand that having staff with different perspectives gives them an advantage because it contributes to effective problem solving, innovative brainstorming, and a wealth of expertise. However, for organizations to profit from DEI, its leaders must commit to make these initiatives a part of their principles. They must commit the resources required to guarantee that various groups are appropriately represented, that opportunities and compensation structures are equitable, and that everyone feels welcome and involved in the organisation. It is important to note that DEI strategies are constantly evolving since organizations can always improve. They must communicate with their employees to ensure that everyone understands the value and they must audit their systems on a regular basis to maintain fairness.

In a recent article for Fast Company, DEI expert and Head of Inclusion at Carta Mita Mallick mused that corporate America finds itself at a crossroads: “Three years after the so-called ‘diversity tipping point,’ we are left to wonder if any of the progress that was made will be acknowledged, accepted, and continue to fuel organizations to do more,” Mallick wrote. Diversity and inclusion roles have been in high demand ever since 2020, but Mallick alludes to the million-dollar question: are they here to stay? If this year’s Jobs on the Rise list is any indication, the forecast may be positive. Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion took the No. 7 spot on this year’s list, making it the third year in a row for a DEI role to earn a spot in the ranking of fastest-growing jobs. However, this trend calls for cautious optimism — the role dropped four spots from last year’s ranking.  Why are these roles so critical in today’s work landscape? Weigh in below. Click through to learn more about this role, and check out the full Jobs on the Rise list for more insights: https://lnkd.in/JOTR24US

Companies must think provocatively about DEI! I have sat with managers who are very limited in their perspective. They consider DEI as just a “box that must be checked”; then I deflect in conversation and small talk about health. I ask what their vitamin regimen looks like. After they list all of the Multivitamins that they consume: I pretend that I ONLY take one of those vitamins that they were so passionate about. They usually are flabbergasted! BECAUSE A FULL ARRAY OF VITAMIN ARE NECESSARY FOR COMPLETE AND EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONS AND HEALTH! This when I get to #micdrop We must broaden our understanding of company success (HEALTH)

In today's workplace, responsibilities pertaining to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have gained significant importance for a number of reasons. Globalization and a Diverse Workforce: As businesses grow internationally and their workforces diversify, DEI positions play a critical role in creating inclusive workplaces that welcome people with different experiences, backgrounds, and cultures. This diversity offers a variety of viewpoints, ideas, and talents to the workplace, enriching it further. Legal and Ethical Imperatives: Diversity and inclusion promotion are linked to legal and ethical imperatives that are becoming increasingly recognized. Regulations and standards that are intended to stop discrimination and advance equal chances in the workplace have been put into place by numerous industries and areas. Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: When workers feel appreciated, respected, and included, they are more engaged and content. To sum up, DEI positions are essential in today's workplace because they help to create environments that are more inventive, engaging, and competitive in the global marketplace, in addition to being morally and legally sound.

🌟 It's the start of the year and top lists for 2024 are aplenty. Here's one that I found particularly interesting... LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2024: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the U.S. 🌟 📊 LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise: This year's list is a game-changer, showing that 68% of the fastest-growing jobs didn't exist 20 years ago. It’s a treasure trove, complete with insights on remote work, necessary skills, and current openings. 🔍 Key Takeaways: 1. Continued Demand for DEI Roles: The surge in diversity and inclusion positions since 2020 highlights their growing importance. 2. Evaluating the Longevity of DEI Roles: Are these roles a sustainable part of corporate strategies or a temporary response? 3. LinkedIn’s 2023 Jobs on the Rise: The role of Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion (representing several job titles for a DEI leader) ranks 7th, showing consistent but evolving trends in DEI importance. 4. DEI Leaders' Role: Essential in creating inclusive policies and practices within organizations. 💬📉 We are challenged to consider the future of DEI in today's dynamic global corporate culture. Despite the challenges highlighted, the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion role remains a beacon of hope for the third year running. #itsprovocative 🔑 Critical Role of DEI in Today's Workplaces: DEI leaders are more than just role-holders; they are change-makers. With skills in diversity training, community outreach, and program development, they are vital in diverse sectors, predominantly in non-profits, higher education, and civic/social organizations. #changemakers 🌐 The Global Context: These professionals are shaping the future of inclusive workplaces globally. #globalleadership 🚧 Navigating Challenges: Let's not ignore the elephant in the room. DEI faces challenges, especially in today's world of eye-catching headlines and intense debates. Despite this, it's clear DEI remains an integral part of forward-thinking business strategies, especially when thinking long-term. #challengeaccepted 🔮 Looking Ahead: The evolution of DEI roles signifies not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how businesses approach diversity and inclusivity, crucial for success in the next millennium. #futureready 👉🏽 For more detailed insights, read the full article and explore LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list here: [https://lnkd.in/eTry743Y). #FutureOfWork #DEIFuture #InclusionAmidChallenges #CorporateStrategy #FutureOfWork #DiversityMatters #SustainableChange #LeadershipGoals #InclusiveLeadership #DEIDiscussion #CorporateTrends #InclusionMatters #DiversityInAction 🌍🫱🏼🫲🏾💼 🗣️ TAP IN: How can businesses keep pushing for DEI in these challenging times, and why do you think it's so important for the future? #TapIn

DEIB Roles: Business Strategy and Boosting the Bottom Line in 2024 🔝 Two days ago, as part of their annual 𝑱𝒐𝒃𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 report, the LinkedIn News team highlighted that diversity and inclusion roles are among the 25 fastest-growing jobs. As someone passionate about #DEIB and helping people reach their full potential through our Beyond Barriers platform, I'd like to share my perspective on their importance as a business strategy and how #DEI impacts a company's bottom line. Unlocking Talent Potential: DEIB as Business Strategy 💥 For me, #DEIB goes beyond creating an inclusive environment. The best DEIB leaders align their strategies with #companygoals and leverage DEI as a business strategy that allows all talents to tap into their full potential, consequently contributing to the success of the business. Product Inclusion and Profitability 🎯 #ProductInclusion is a game-changer, ensuring diverse groups are building for diverse groups. When product teams display and embrace diversity in thoughts and perspectives, they can create better-rounded solutions, improving the bottom line. Diverse team representation and recognition of their ideas matter. DEIB: A Personal Tool for Financial Growth 📈 By embedding DEIB as a business strategy, I believe that companies can boost their bottom line by creating an environment that enables individuals to grow into their full potential. This leads to better productivity, increased innovation, and an enhanced understanding of customer needs. A Couple of Predictions for DEIB in 2024 🚀 1️⃣ DEIB initiatives aligned with business strategies and product development. 2️⃣ DEIB leaders driving deeper integration within all sectors of a company. For me, the future of DEI rests upon strong leaders who embrace it as an essential business strategy, navigating complex intersections of #diversity, #equity, #inclusion, and #belonging. Share your thoughts, and let's explore how DEIB can propel business strategy and profitability together! #DEI #BEIB #jobs #futuretrends #linkedinnews #businessstrategy

#SupplierDiversity is evolving amid a challenging political environment. With recent court rulings limiting #AffirmativeAction and growing #DEI backlash, organizations need to reevaluate their programs for impact, innovation, and public scrutiny. Time to rebrand—or fully reset? 🔀 Our Supplier Diversity Leadership Council enlisted experts Kathey Porter and Dr. Fred McKinney to survey the shifting landscape—and professionals on the frontlines of the challenge. Explore their findings on renewing the business case for pursuing a diverse #supplier base in the era ahead. #tcbCouncils 💡 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eyaWkaec 🔗 Learn more about The Conference Board Council: https://lnkd.in/eFYyVDbV

The days of organizations being able to disregard how history has shaped current events & the inequities experienced by everyday people they employ are over. Younger generations entering the workforce have become more aware of "corporate responsibility" and the ways in which companies unintentionally / intentionally perpetuate systemic inequities in every industry. These inequities are experienced by their employees and consumers. Organizations will have to adapt to an increasingly diverse workforce or risk their brand reputation & quality of service/product. People will not stay at a place where they feel they have to conform & assimilate so much that they don't see themselves belonging there. But changing this kind of stuff takes time. The work landscape is a mirror of how society is structured, and in 2024, many of us are aware of how fractured our society still remains after years of so-called progress. Whether the current generation of leaders can see it or not, issues most would relate to DEI have a direct impact on business outcomes and the impact will only continue to grow in the future.

Get article: https://lnkd.in/eEjusR3Q 💡JUST PUBLISHED: The DEI Backfire Challenge💡 While DEI initiatives aim to foster #inclusivity, they sometimes have the opposite effect. Here’s a breakdown: 1️⃣#Diversity #Training: #Mandatory #training can sometimes lead to a backlash against non-White employees. Training that emphasizes controlling prejudice instead of nurturing motivation can inadvertently increase prejudice. 2️⃣#DEI #Communication: Raising awareness about stereotypes can unintentionally normalize them. DEI programs focused on a single group can cause discomfort and concerns about fairness. 3️⃣#Affirmative #Action: Strong preferential treatments can stigmatize beneficiaries. Harder policies can also escalate group conflict. 4️⃣#Targeted #Recruitment: Over-controlling managers’ hiring decisions or misrepresenting diversity can lead to negative perceptions and reduced trust. 5️⃣#Stigma: Beneficiaries of AAPs can face stigma, both from others and internally. They may be viewed as less competent or influential. 📢The challenge is real: DEI efforts can backfire. However, understanding these pitfalls is the first step towards effective and inclusive DEI initiatives. Stay tuned for my next daily post on preventing these backfires. 📢 #DEIChallenges #talentmanagement #leadership The George Washington University The George Washington University School of Business Caroline Laguerre-Brown, JD Christopher Bracey Vanessa Perry GW Latino Alumni Network GWSB Alumni Lauryn Burnett The PhD Project Management Faculty of Color Association (MFCA)