The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently announced a significant change to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) framework by removing "Equity" and focusing solely on Inclusion & Diversity. This decision has sparked debate among HR professionals and organizations committed to fostering equitable workplaces
At ATS+Partners, we firmly believe that Equity is a crucial component of DE&I and its removal undermines the foundation of a truly inclusive environment. Here’s why Equity is essential and why ATS+Partners remains steadfast in our commitment to comprehensive DE&I initiatives.
Understanding Equity in DE&I
Equity in the workplace goes beyond equality. While equality ensures everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities, equity recognizes that individuals have different needs, challenges, and starting points. Equity involves creating tailored support and opportunities to achieve fair outcomes. It addresses systemic barriers and biases that prevent certain groups from reaching their full potential.
Why SHRM's Decision is Concerning
Ignoring Systemic Barriers: By removing Equity from the DE&I framework, there is a risk of ignoring the systemic barriers that marginalized groups face. Without addressing these barriers, efforts toward inclusion and diversity may fall short, as the root causes of inequity remain unaddressed.
Superficial Inclusivity: Focusing only on diversity and inclusion can lead to tokenism, where the presence of diverse individuals is prioritized over creating an environment where they can thrive. Equity ensures that all individuals have the necessary support to succeed, leading to genuine inclusivity.
Undermining Progress: The concept of Equity pushes organizations to critically examine their policies, practices, and culture. It challenges them to make substantive changes rather than superficial adjustments. Removing Equity from the equation risks stagnating progress towards a truly inclusive workplace.
ATS+Partners’ Commitment to DE&I
At ATS+Partners, we understand that achieving diversity and inclusion without equity is an incomplete effort. Our commitment to DE&I is grounded in the belief that all three components are interdependent and essential for fostering a thriving, innovative, and fair workplace. Here’s how we incorporate Equity into our DE&I initiatives:
Tailored Development Programs: We offer development programs that cater to the unique needs of underrepresented groups. By providing targeted mentorship, training, and resources, we ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.
Equitable Recruitment Practices: Our recruitment processes are designed to minimize bias and create equal opportunities for all candidates. We focus on outreach to diverse communities and use structured interview techniques to ensure fair evaluation.
Inclusive Policies and Practices: We regularly review and update our policies to ensure they are inclusive and equitable. This includes everything from flexible working arrangements to equitable pay structures.
Ongoing Education and Awareness: We invest in continuous learning for our employees about the importance of DE&I, with a strong emphasis on understanding and addressing equity issues. This helps foster a culture of empathy, respect, and fairness.
Why DE&I Matters to ATS+Partners
For ATS+Partners, DE&I is not just a box to check; it is a core value that drives our success. A diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace leads to:
Enhanced Innovation: Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovation.
Better Decision-Making: Inclusive environments leverage the full range of talents and experiences, resulting in better decision-making and problem-solving.
Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Employees who feel valued and supported are more engaged, satisfied, and likely to stay with the company.
Positive Reputation: Companies that are genuinely committed to DE&I are seen as leaders in social responsibility, attracting top talent and loyal customers.
SHRM’s decision to remove Equity from its DE&I framework is a step backward in the pursuit of truly inclusive workplaces. Equity is not an optional add-on but a fundamental component of any meaningful DE&I effort. At ATS+Partners, we remain committed to advancing Equity alongside Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring that our workplace is not only diverse and inclusive but also fair and supportive for all.
By continuing to champion Equity, we aim to set an example and inspire other organizations to recognize its importance and integrate it into their DE&I strategies. Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse world of work.