Not Having True Equity & Empowerment Within Your Organization is Costing You ... And Hurting Others
Meaningful EAE
The challenge with traditional Equity and Empowerment (EAE) is that it is failing to make a lasting, positive impact. Organizations are adopting EAE practices but are not doing the difficult and introspective work needed to establish inclusive and equitable workplaces.
EAE initiatives are often performative in nature and getting an online certificate is simply not enough. What are you really doing to make an impact? How are you challenging the existing systems?
Lasting, positive EAE requires a huge commitment. It requires you to get uncomfortable, to do the tough introspective work, and challenge your pre-existing beliefs and biases. It requires you to become an accomplice to those that have been intentionally ignored and excluded.
Reimagining and redesigning your organization's systems, policies, and culture with a focus on creating an equitable workplace and seeking true inclusion for all, is the foundation needed for meaningful EAE and your organizational success.
“Candidates are seeking workplaces where they can intertwine their beliefs with those of the company, and work together on a common vision of purpose and success.”
- Harvard Business Review
How Companies Will Lose
Failing to engage in meaningful EAE is simply not an option if your aspiration is the success and longevity of your organization, as having a diverse and inclusive work environment is essential to both your profitability and your firm operations.
Millennials will leave and look for organizations that match their values.
The Great Resignation is in play — social activism, the environment, work/life balance, and mental health have all become priorities.
Employees of Colour will leave.
People are no longer willing to tolerate racist working conditions and being silenced. Demonstrable and actionable change by non-Black co-workers must be felt and seen.
Innovation will decrease.
Diverse workplaces have been shown to significantly increase innovative thinking and results. ROI will be altered by a diminished diverse workplace.
Customers and clients may take their business elsewhere.
Sharing diversity statistics and strategies is becoming the norm. Will your clients care if you aren't prioritizing diversity?
“For diverse companies, the likelihood of outperforming industry peers on profitability has increased over time, while the penalties are getting steeper for those lacking diversity.”
– McKinsey
In the Workplace & Beyond…
The Impact of White Dominant Culture
Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour have been, and continue to be, the victims of discrimination, oppression, exclusion, and a lack of equity as a result of White dominant culture. This injustice permeates into all aspects of their lives — their employment, their income, their education, their housing, their health & healthcare, and every single one of their day-to-day experiences. The statistics below highlight the harsh realities of the non-White population in Canada and exemplify where the inequity gaps continue to persist as a result of White dominant culture:
2.6x
Employment Inequity:
BLACK MEN ARE 2.6x MORE LIKELY TO WORK IN JOBS THEY ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THAN WHITE MEN; BLACK WOMEN ARE 1.5x MORE LIKELY TO WORK IN JOBS THEY ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THAN WHITE WOMAN. (source)
Not only do Black Canadians have to accept jobs that are below their qualifications, but they also experience increased scrutiny in their workplace compared to their White colleagues. They are often penalized for lesser mistakes, resulting in less promotions and lower wages, further adding to this wage inequity.
2.1x
Inadequate Access to Healthcare:
THE PREVALANCE OF DIABETES IN BLACK ADULTS IS 2.1x HIGHER THAN WHITE ADULTS IN CANADA. (source)
Despite having access to publicly funded healthcare in Canada, Black Canadians do not receive the same treatment and outcomes as White Canadians. The diabetes statistic provided above is only one example of the multitude of health disparities that Black Canadians experience as the result of ongoing racism within the healthcare system.
4.0x
Disproportionate Discipline in Schools:
BLACK CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO ARE 2x AS LIKELY TO BE SUSPENDED AND 4x MORE LIKELY TO BE EXPELLED THAN WHITE STUDENTS. (source)
The unfair treatment of Black students has an enduring negative impact on their educational trajectory and academic success. The suspensions and expulsions increase the isolation they experience and decreases their enjoyment at school while eroding their trust of educators, creating barriers to success at a young age.
20x
Police Brutality:
BLACK CANADIANS ARE 20x MORE LIKELY TO BE SHOT BY TORONTO POLICE THAN A WHITE RESIDENT. (source)
People often think of police brutality towards Black civilians as an issue isolated to the United States, but this is a largely fabricated narrative. Canadian police forces are also guilty of brutality and discrimination towards racialized communities, and this is yet another harsh reality that Black people have to live with.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about the Business Case for real EAE within your business, check out these publications:
“The business case for diversity in the workplace is now overwhelming”
World Economic Forum; April 29, 2019
“Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters”
McKinsey & Co.; May 19, 2020
“Diversity Confirmed to Boost Innovation and Financial Results”
Forbes; January 15, 2020
