Let's Talk Diversity and Inclusivity
To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month #APAHM21, we want to discuss diversity in the workplace. Although we are a small staffing firm, we are relatively diverse. We are at a few different stages in our career, different ethnicities, and races, and most of us even live in different states!
When talking about diversity, we are thinking about recruiting a diverse set of individuals to work together. What comes to mind is diversity in gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, etc.
The beauty behind diversity is it brings different perspectives to light and helps avoid groupthink. The most successful companies continue to innovate and develop — by sharing diverse ideas and perspectives, we become more innovative.
We should always strive to include everyone — it is essential for employee retention. We want to invite others to the table to speak and express themselves, creating a safe space for discussion. A great way to achieve this is by actively listening. When all our attention is on someone else, they start to feel a sense of camaraderie and trust.
We want to empower others to feel confident to speak up, and the best way to do that is by welcoming all ideas and opinions.
The history of Asian Americans is one of excluding and erasing AAPI history. From when the Chinese laborers came to the United States to dig during the Gold Rush, building the transcontinental railroad, or Japanese Americans fighting for the United States in World War II, the list goes on.
Most of this history is unheard and erased, making AAPIs feel invisible.
Today, Asian Americans are looking to reclaim their history and experience the benefits afforded to all in the United States.
How can we do better?
Some areas of need: promoting AAPIs into executive leadership positions and providing socioeconomic help to AAPIs in need. Employers are looking to support diversity and inclusion on all fronts — to come together and show humanity for one another.
We hope that you will celebrate with the AAPI community in this month of recognition.
