#DearHolistic: How can our company promote our DEI efforts authentically?

Dear Holistic,

How can our company promote our DEI efforts organically? Many places inauthentically show their efforts to be “woke” and it’s obvious when they do. We believe that these efforts need to be an extension of ourselves and not tacked on haphazardly to our current policies and communications.

Because every business is different, especially when it comes to its mission and values, we want to make sure our DEI efforts directly align with and reaffirm ours. Thank you for your guidance.

Sincerely,

Always Authentic

* * * *

Dear Always Authentic,

The first way to keep your DEI efforts authentic is to be very clear as to why you are doing this work. Are you doing it because you really do want to uplift your employees, community, and those around you or are you more afraid of being “canceled” or punished?

If the answer is that you are honestly doing this to uplift your employees and your community that will show through in your efforts. You don't need to put out a press release or statement for all of the work that you do, but you do need to listen to the community and help out in the way they ask you to help.

For example, if BIPOC employees say they don't have a similar experience at your organization, you should listen to them, understand their concerns and make changes based on what they say and not what you think you should do.

Yours truly,

Holistic

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