Can you believe it’s been just over 100 years since women were granted the right to vote in the United States? As a women-owned agency, we believe every team member should be empowered to bring their unique talents and perspectives to the table, so we can all work together to create a sense of community and belonging.

Did you know that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace can lead to better outcomes for your clients? By tapping into various ideas and experiences, XCH creates a well-rounded approach to our work. We’re proud to say that we apply DEI principles throughout our agency, from recruiting new team members to supporting professional growth.

Here are some steps we take that other businesses can utilize to advance DEI in their workplace:

1. Educate and Train: It’s essential to foster a learning environment accessible to all employees, regardless of their backgrounds. That’s why we provide annual diversity awareness training that’s mandatory for all employees. We also encourage open discussions to create a safe learning and growth space.

2. Establish Clear Policies: Don’t underestimate the value of creating policies promoting DEI. We apply these initiatives to various practices, including recruitment, compensation, and professional development. Clear policies and guidelines help everyone feel welcome and valued.

3. Apply Diverse Hiring and Promotion Practices: We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects our world, so we have policies to ensure our hiring and promotion practices are diverse and unbiased. We’re continually reviewing and revising our recruitment strategies to attract a wide range of candidates, and we’re dedicated to selecting the best person for the job based on their skills and qualifications.

4. Create Inclusive Workspaces: Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and included is essential. Listening to each other and valuing diverse perspectives is crucial to attracting and keeping the best talent. That’s why we encourage open communication and expect all team members to treat each other respectfully. Be sure to promote open communication and actively seek input from team members to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

5. Encourage Supplier Diversity: Encourage supplier diversity by sourcing products and services from minority-owned, women-owned, and other diverse businesses. By doing this, we can promote the growth of various entrepreneurs and contribute to a more inclusive economy. We’re proud to be a member of WBENC and DA4S – both collaborative alliances of companies aiming to enhance and broaden supplier diversity within the life sciences sectors.

6. Engage in Community Outreach: Encourage your team to participate in community programs and initiatives that promote DEI. Engaging with local organizations and events can help build strong connections and support the broader community. Our team is passionate about positively impacting local communities; our employees mentor local college students and participate as judges and panelists for events like Young Entrepreneur’s Academy (YEA) to support young entrepreneurs and shape the next generation of leaders.

7. Support Employee Work-Life Balance: A great workplace means supporting employees’ work-life balance. We offer flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies to ensure everyone can thrive. We know that when our team members succeed, the company grows, so we’re proud to create a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone’s unique attributes and differences are valued.

DEI isn’t just about checking boxes or meeting quotas – it’s about celebrating our differences, fostering equity, and embracing inclusion daily. We’re committed to creating an empowering environment that nurtures the talents of our team members, and we want to inspire others to join us in building a world where everyone can thrive and make a lasting impact.

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