Over the past few years, workplaces have undergone significant changes. I would say, one of the crucial changes is the recognition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in corporate and organizational settings. Social justice movements worldwide have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and compelling businesses to prioritize DEI and foster more inclusive environments.
However, the current economic crisis has become a cause for concern as companies are scaling back on the progress they have made so far. During challenging financial times, DEI programs are often among the first areas to face cuts, despite the far-reaching consequences of neglecting them.
To counter this trend and create a diverse and inclusive environment, several organizations are advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in workplaces. In this blog post, we talk about these organizations and their efforts.
If your organization is looking for ways to embrace DEI and create a more welcoming environment, these organizations can serve as valuable resources.
01. Paradigm
Paradigm works with companies to implement strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. They help you assess and benchmark your current efforts, develop effective strategies, implement DEI initiatives, and measure their progress. They can evaluate your hiring processes, performance management processes
and employee experience to give you a better understanding of your workplace.
Paradigm also offers a comprehensive suite of DEI products, tools, and services that empower organizations to build, measure, implement, and track DEI efforts. They also have online DEI training and workshops if you want to equip your team with skills to foster inclusion.
02. Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
Established in 2013, CCID is a national charity providing guidance and resources to promote diversity and inclusion in workplaces. Their goal is to build a more inclusive, equitable and just society for all through education, training, and action.
They offer training programs, research insights, and policy development support to help organizations create environments where all employees can thrive, regardless of their background. You can check out their toolkit here.
CCDI also offers the Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP™) certification. The certification process is designed to assess the knowledge and experience of diversity and inclusion professionals against the standard established by the CCIP™ Competency Framework.
03. Fair 360
Fair 360, previously known as DiversityInc, is a global organization committed to addressing systemic bias and promoting equitable opportunities for all individuals. They specialize in developing comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies tailored to the specific needs of organizations.
They provide leading benchmarking analysis and organizational assessments for global brands. Fair 360 also offers strategic advisory services to support organizations on their talent development and leadership training journeys.
Besides these services, Fair 360 releases Top 50, a survey assessing the performance of companies in key areas of workplace fairness. The survey looks at the top four levels of management across the dimensions of gender, ethnicity, orientation, age, disabilities, and veteran status. Here are the 2023 Top 50 Companies For Diversity, according to Fair 360.
04. Catalyst
The global nonprofit organization focuses on advancing women in the workplace.
Offering research-backed solutions, tools, and initiatives, Catalyst helps organizations break down barriers and create equal opportunities for women in leadership positions.
Catalyst has published over 200 groundbreaking original research reports on employees’ workplace experiences. They conduct online events, workshops, courses, advisory services, webinars, their signature Catalyst Awards Conference & Dinner and Catalyst Honours. If you are curious to know more, Catalyst has listed the ten things everyone should know about the nonprofit.
05. Veza Global
Based in Vancouver, Veza Global is a diversity and inclusion consultancy supporting organizations to embed Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Belonging (IDEA+B). Through its research-backed organizational maturity models and assessment technology, Veza implements IDEA+B throughout all levels of an organization.
Their process starts with using Veza Global’s Inclusion Assessment to evaluate the organization’s IDEA+B performance and identify what changes it needs to make. Veza supports the transformation process with four unique IDEA+B performance audit options: Human Resources, Inclusive Marketing, Supplier Diversity and Inclusive Services & Product Development. Visit their website to learn more about the EDI services.
06. Synergy Consulting Group
Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group believes that limited access to a diverse talent pool is a huge challenge to many organizations. So, Synergy helps these organizations broaden their talent pool by providing diversified candidates and solutions.
The organization specializes in placing, promoting, and supporting the advancement of BIPOC professionals to boardrooms, C-suites, and other decision-making tables. They have a network of executives across Canada and partnerships with BIPOC organizations with regional ambassadors in most provinces to help with hiring. Synergy also provides various training solutions, from EDI training to executive coaching.
Visit their website to learn more about their services and their impact on promoting diversity and inclusion at the top levels of organizations.
07. HRx
Founded in 2016, HRx provides practical, data-informed solutions for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Using data-driven assessments, HRx determines an organization’s current position and leverages its extensive industry expertise to guide them towards their desired goals.
HRx helps organizations identify tangible steps they can take to foster EDI in their workplace. The organization uses a global EDI benchmark and EDI Cultural Change Curve© framework, along with training, consulting, and analytics to achieve the goal. HRx also provides tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each organization.
Final word
There are several organizations dedicated to supporting businesses in their journey toward building inclusive cultures. By partnering with these organizations, companies can access valuable resources, training, and consulting services to create workplaces that embrace diversity, ensure equal opportunities, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
Investing in diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) initiatives creates a more positive work culture and contributes to a stronger, more adaptable organization. More importantly, it’s the right step towards a just world.
That’s why Beacon passionately advocates for organizations and companies championing social justice causes and often writes about them in our blogs.
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