As Businesses, We Must Do More to Combat Inequality
There is no other way to say it—it’s been unsettling to watch the conflict unfolding across the country over the last week. The protests erupting in cities from coast-to-coast have signified a pervasive reality—inequality is still a permeating and inexcusable problem today. It resides in our politics, our institutions and is systemically woven into the fabric of our society, affecting all of the ways in which we live and operate.
But it has been inspiring, too, to see the incredible amount of people coming together—connecting in-person in a united front, sharing their voices in a choir calling for change. It can be daunting to think of all of the ways in which we need to do better, but it’s critical that these marches and messages breed action—even if it means starting small in our own families, communities, or workplaces.
For many of us, it has called for uncomfortable reflection about who we are, what we believe and what role we play in perpetuating or dismantling it. But it’s not just at the individual layer that we should take this pause inward, but corporate America must also take retrospection, and understand the ignorance and limitations that inherently exist, intentionally or not, within their walls.
Businesses, too, are culpable, and are both responsible and accountable for doing their part in recognizing their faults and working to improve them. It is more important than ever for organizations to take action and make tangible and measurable steps toward equality. Diversity and inclusion efforts aren’t simply necessary, they are a priority.
What this uprising has shown us, in the simplest terms, is that we not only don’t know or understand each other, our experiences and challenges very well, but we’re not listening or doing enough to change that. Diversity and inclusion programs exist to address this, but oftentimes are only a check mark in a HR laundry list, a reaction to shareholder pressure or to appease government regulation. And that’s not enough. It’s paramount for organizations to make actionable, ongoing progress to create more inclusive, empathetic and safe environments for everyone.
Tackling discrimination in the workplace is complex. It will take continuous, hard work, and ongoing commitment and participation from everyone—and while that may seem like a tremendous lift, businesses can view it as an opportunity to do and be better.
Companies need to give a voice to their workforce, and put measures in place that nurture employees and create an environment that is built for success by supporting their most valuable asset—their people. One way to achieve this is to transition to a “people first, culture second” mindset. Businesses shouldn’t try to conform their people to a pre-existing climate and structure, but rather understand their unique needs and backgrounds, and then build the culture to support it. Organizations should open a dialogue to gauge how employees feel now and what they need to feel valued and supported moving forward, so leaders can then put the right tools and services in place to answer those calls. The days of a “one-size fits all” approach are over, and companies should recognize, celebrate, safeguard and value the individual identities of its people.
In the context of the workforce, when people feel seen and understood, it gives them a sense of purpose, and can lead to a better experience where they feel happier and work better with others. Businesses can do this by creating fair conditions for every employee, offering each one the same resources, opportunities and considerations, and by bringing people together to remove the stigmas they may carry about their differences. By fostering community and establishing neutrality, companies do their part to ebb at the shoreline of inequality.
Change takes time, but we must all do our part—not only as people, but as businesses too. As a business leader, this has forced me to reflect on my own responsibility, as well as the role Proxfinity plays in being part of the solution. At Proxfinity, we’ve always believed in the power of people and human connection. Let’s all, including us here at Proxfinity, give diversity and inclusion the spotlight it deserves, so we can create a better corporate America for tomorrow and for always.
-Lisa Carrel, CEO and Co-Founder of Proxfinity
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