Engaging Diversity at Every Level of the Organization

Excerpts from the Best Practice Session in Chicago, Ill., hosted by Leo Burnett USA

Introduction

Conventional wisdom in the world of diversity and inclusion tells us that in order for initiatives to succeed commitment must come from the top. It is imperative that a company’s senior management team leads and endorses the organization’s efforts. However, for a company to truly excel, this commitment must be embedded within every level of the organization.

Diversity Best Practices members gathered in Chicago, on April 6, 2010, to explore the challenges and solutions around this very topic. Hosted by DBP member Leo Burnett, this Best Practice Session provided presentations, panel discussions and breakout groups designed to advance the diversity and inclusion discussion.

Through this paper, which features insightful excerpts from the day’s presentations, readers will learn:

• How companies are weaving diversity and inclusion into their corporate culture.

• Ways the world is changing, and why, in light of these changes, diversity practitioners must evolve from focusing solely on diversity to placing an emphasis on inclusion.

• Best practices in management areas including recruitment, retention, employee resource groups, diversity assessments and supplier diversity as executed by a top financial services company.

• Solutions for addressing various groups in the workplace, including returning veterans, Millennials, LGBT workers and religious employees.