Inclusive Climate- Now is the time

After seeing the country erupt over the last few days, I cannot emphasize enough the need for leaders and their organizations to take a stance for equality, inclusion and acceptance. Companies have the ability to create cultures that can be better than the societal norms that are present. The last decade has brought about massive shifts when it comes to employee equality in the workplace but you know what, people (employees!) are now outraged. The current backdrop of our country is creating emotional turmoil and angst for our employees and they need to feel a sense of safety in their workplaces.

Leaders that do not speak up and speak out will lose the trust and credibility of their workforce. Take a moment and engage directly with your corporate community because there are many issues taking the front seat in your employee's lives and being silent will undo all the great work that has been done so far in creating positive work environments.

What can you do now?

1) Reach out to your employees, share with them how you feel and that you stand for equal treatment

2) Economic downturn has affected revenue streams but if possible, make a donation to either a local or a national charity that is currently working and supporting racial justice

3) Take a good, hard look at your organizational practices and commit to creating a fair and equitable environment for all

2020 sure is throwing a lot of curveballs at us but this is the time to take the lead and make a difference.

Shazia Sultan is the founder of EmployZen HR consulting which provides interim HR leadership, HR compliance and audit services and special projects. She has a business operations approach to human resources and helps small to midsize companies put in place processes and procedures that create a peaceful and productive employee culture. Her strong HR background and nimble technique gives her the ability to step into organizations and hit the ground running! She takes her passion for people into her philanthropic work as well. Shazia is the past president of the Hinsdale Junior Women's Club raising 500k annually for partner charities, sits on the board of the HCS Family Services organization fighting food insecurity in the Western suburbs and a mentor to high school girls struggling to identify a career path.