How to Become a More Diverse & Inclusive Workplace

How do you make time for diversity and inclusivity when you barely have enough time to take care of day-to-day operations?

Spherion Senior Vice President Kathy George talked with a cohort of Spherion franchisees who have successfully prioritized D&I initiatives at their franchise locations. The panel shares what diversity means to them and how they work daily on becoming more inclusive business owners known for their efforts at building creative, innovative teams and businesses.

These videos comprise a seven-part discussion about diversity and inclusion in the workplace featuring Spherion franchisees:

Edem Ekene (Spherion League City/Galveston, TX)
Doris Lockhart (Spherion Florence and Conway, SC)
Ron Zarbock (Spherion Salt Lake City, Layton, Ogden, Orem, Taylorsville, Wasatch Front-Technology, and Meridian (Boise)).

Why is Diversity & Inclusion Important to You Personally?

Diversity is not just black and white. Creating a diverse workplace means accounting for all characteristics of an individual, and the differences between people who are working toward a shared outcome. Hear what diversity means to our panel and how they personally see the concept impact their businesses.

How Would You Define Diversity?

Is the term "diversity" overused? Has it lost meaning for the people it's supposed to help?

Our panel discusses what diversity & inclusion means, how it can be practiced in daily routines and processes, and what employers and candidates can do to prioritize greater diversification and inclusivity in the workplace. Listen now.

Small Steps to Make Your Business More Inclusive

What real actions can your business take to fulfill your goal of becoming a more inclusive workplace? In this video about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, watch our panel talk about meaningful actions they recommend for franchise owners wanting to do the right thing when it comes to achieving diversity and inclusion goals.

How Can Businesses Set Tangible Goals Around Diversity & Inclusion?

How can a business owner measure their progress on building a more diverse and inclusive workplace? Progress starts with acknowledging their current state of inclusivity along with the need to rethink managing their workforce. Hear our panel's first-hand stories of employees choosing to engage with a team versus suppressing who they are to fit in with the business' perceived inclusivity.

How Can Employers Eliminate Bias in the Hiring Process?

We all have bias, whether we realize it or not. When thinking about hiring, how can employers eliminate unconscious bias when hiring? As staffing professionals, we strive to help employers choose the best candidates in bias-neutral ways. Hear how staying focused on a person's skills, past achievements and professional background can help you hire the best candidate for a role without letting personal bias cloud the decision.

What Questions Can Candidates Ask to Uncover a Company's Culture?

Candidates evaluate potential employers the same as businesses are evaluating them. Watch this video for examples of questions job seekers might ask employers during an interview to help them learn more about an organization's authentic culture. Our panel advises asking directly about an organization's diversity and inclusion efforts. Learn why you shouldn't shy away from asking about topics like women in leadership roles, support for parents or disabilities, and their attitudes toward inclusion.

Advice for Employers Concerned About Doing or Saying Something Wrong

The smartest people in the room are those who know they don't know everything. Employers who want to take on greater D&I efforts, but are nervous about accidentally saying or doing the wrong thing, should consider working with a diversity coach to work through these fears. Watch this final installment in our series for why you should consider consulting with a diversity expert, or your HR peers, to help your business venture out of your comfort zone and make meaningful progress toward diversity and inclusion goals.

Go further

Read more about Spherion's Diversity and inclusion efforts on our blog.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion doesn't end in the workplace.

Learn what we're doing to better the communities we call home.

How We Give Back

Diversity Matters

Why diversity and inclusion matters for a better workplace