ARTICLES

00-03 Best Practices Checklist

--Linda Gravett, Ph.D.

I’ve had this question asked of me many times:  "How do I know if our company is as successful as other companies who’ve started diversity efforts?"  The following list of questions can serve as a guide, or checklist, to determine if you’re getting the most out of your diversity activities:

1. Do you have a strategic plan for your diversity initiative that is aligned with the organization’s strategic plan?
2. Do you have formal policies and procedures in place for promoting an inclusive work environment?
3. Have you made the business case for all of your diversity activities?  Do you know what the return on investment in time and resources will be?
4. Do you have a diversity steering council?
5. Do you have a career development initiative that strives to craft tailored individual develop plans for your employees?
6. Are you conducting diversity training for your managers?
7. Have you completed sexual harassment prevention training?
8. Have you developed an in-house diversity resource center?
9. Are you acknowledging and celebrating diversity on an ongoing basis, not just once a month or twice a year?
10. Do you offer advanced courses on communication, conflict resolution, team and building?

Companies of all sizes and in various industries who are able to respond affirmatively to these questions are finding that their diversity efforts are yielding concrete, positive results in terms of productivity and profitability.

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