The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 is an important day for companies in Canada that want to build an equitable workplace where all employees feel they belong. The day is a reminder of the need for organizations to work towards eliminating racial discrimination and promoting inclusivity actively.
The theme for the 2023 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is “Ending Racial Discrimination in the Workplace.” This theme highlights the importance of eliminating all forms
of discrimination in the workplace and promoting a workplace culture that is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all.
Canada is a diverse country, and many organizations have a diverse workforce. However, diversity alone is not enough. Companies must take proactive steps to ensure that their workplaces are free from racial discrimination and that all employees feel valued and respected. Failure to do so can lead to a toxic workplace environment that negatively impacts productivity and employee morale and can lead to legal issues.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination allows companies to reflect on their current policies and practices and identify areas for improvement. One way companies can promote inclusivity, and diversity is by implementing unconscious bias training for all employees. This training can help employees recognize and address their own biases and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.
Another way companies can promote inclusivity is by actively recruiting and promoting employees from diverse backgrounds. This can help ensure that the company’s leadership reflects the diversity of its workforce and fosters a workplace culture that values and respects all employees.
Companies can also promote inclusivity by implementing policies and practices that address racial discrimination. This can include creating a safe and confidential reporting system for employees to report incidents of discrimination, providing resources for employees to access support and counselling, and taking swift and appropriate action against employees who engage in discriminatory behaviour.
In addition to promoting inclusivity in the workplace, companies can also use the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as an opportunity to engage with their customers and clients. By publicly supporting the day and promoting anti-racism initiatives, companies can demonstrate their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, which can help attract customers who value these principles.
In conclusion, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 matters for companies in Canada that want to build an equitable workplace where all employees feel they belong. It provides an opportunity for companies to reflect on their current policies and practices and identify areas for improvement. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, companies can create a workplace culture that values and respects all employees, increasing productivity, employee morale, and positive customer engagement.
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References
United Nations. (n.d.). International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This blog was originally published by Diversio EDU (formerly CCDI Consulting) in March 2023.
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