Reflecting on Black History Month, The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

During Black History Month, we celebrate African Americans and the role they have played in building this country, as well as recognize their achievements.

Diversity and inclusion are essential in continuing our legacy in this country and helping in building generational wealth. Additionally, diversity in the workplace provides a balance of voices and diversity in that that we need. Unfortunately, many businesses still do not have a healthy balance of diversity in their workplace.  This is a chronic problem, as more than half of employees believe that their employers don’t do enough to ensure diversity and inclusion.  These employers also rank 10 points lower than average on the Workforce Happiness Index. 

This Black History Month, I’d like to highlight why diversity and inclusion are so important. 

Increased Productivity 

To have a productive work community, employees need to feel seen. Increasing diversity improves productivity, which keeps companies thriving. Companies can be more productive because diversity also reduces employee turnover.  Employee turnover is costing the nation $1 trillion.  When a workplace culture is created to be inclusive, people feel more accepted and want to work. Additionally, more productivity means more profits. Companies with high ethnic and racial diversity are more likely to save 35% higher profits than the national average. 

Increased Range of Skills

A range of skills in your workspace enhances business.  Diversity equates to wider perspectives when it comes to brainstorming, problem-solving, and developing new ideas. This allows employees to learn from one another and grow, not just professionally but personally.  

Improved Company Reputation 

Better problem-solving, innovation, and engagement lead to improved performance and reputation.  Diversity and inclusion encourage an atmosphere of respect and equality.  Studies show that employees will be more likely to work harder and more efficiently for their employers.  

This month, let’s start asking companies the right questions and begin the introspection.  What kinds of unconscious biases do we carry, as a society, that hold us back from diversity and inclusion? At your place of work, what are the hiring practices and do they encourage inviting diverse communities? These are questions we need to start asking ourselves if we want to continue the work ahead, growing as a community and building wealth for our communities. 

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leslie Holley, MA, LCPC, LPC, NCC is the owner of Healing-Circle, LLC. She is a Nationally Certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an experienced presenter on mental health topics. We are honored to have Leslie help support our families needing hope and healing.

Sources

• https://gympass.com/en-us/blog/organizational-development/lack-of-diversity/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancamillercole/2020/09/15/8-reasons-why-diversity-and-inclusion-are-essential-to-business-success/?sh=46bad6441824
• https://emeritus.org/blog/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace/