The goals of this year’s D&I working group are to define, inform, and take action. Defining diversity and inclusion provides a clear understanding to everyone of what it means and why it is important. Informing provides information and resources that individuals and organizations can use to assist them in creating a more diverse and inclusive work environment. Finally, to take action is to find best practices from communities and organizations that have a diverse and inclusive environment and apply those within your organization.
This month we want to define D&I and discuss why it is important. Diversity can be defined as “any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another.” (1) This can mean nationality, language, race, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, family structure and even geographical location. “Inclusion is the practice of providing everyone with equal access to opportunities and resources.” (2) Essentially, D&I is integrating a diverse group of people and creating an environment where everyone is valued, respected and supported. Workplaces that prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts have been statistically proven to be safer, happier, and more productive work environments.
We hope you will be able to join us at TEI’s Annual Conference on Monday, October 25, 2021 (in-person or virtually) for an informative session that will enable you to put these goals into action - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges and Trends for Tax Departments.
Diversity and Inclusion Definitions | HUD.gov
What is the Meaning of Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace in 2021 | Built In
7 strategies to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace | HDR America (hcamag.com)