First published on LinkedIn.
Welcome to Q2 and Happy Celebrate Diversity Month! April is a very energetic month -- it’s the start of a new quarter, new season, and there are TONS of diverse observances worth celebrating. Be certain to lay out a strategy on how to decide which days to celebrate and have a clearly defined voice that represents your diverse employee population.
I imagine you’ve all been very busy in Q1 2023. Talks of recession have been on the tip of our tongues since the new year. Yet, despite the warning signs, my team has thankfully kept me booked & busy! This was an unexpected - yet pleasant - surprise since we hoped our clients wouldn't scale back on their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives in the new year. Reports have shown that, at least in the private sector, many organizations have ramped up DEIB efforts.
But maybe that doesn’t apply to your organization. And perhaps you’re in an environment where DEIB “isn’t a priority.” I’ve had many practitioners reach out to me seeking help and I always tell them to always keep their fingers on the pulse of DEIB. This work is heart and soul work, and there will be times you are tired, times you want to give up. Many believe that with a heavy budget, DEIB goals can be achieved, but that’s only part of the equation. The other key ingredient is RESILIENCE — meaning despite the conditions of the market, change can still occur.
“Action causes hope. Hope does not cause action.”
This quote spoke volumes to me. Can you guess who said this quote from SXSW?
By the way, my first time at SXSW was amazing!!! I can’t thank YOU & my community enough for voting on my topic, which allowed me to share my experience in DEIB on the big stage!! I was even approached by KXAN/NBC, Austin local news, to speak on the impact and results of DEIB initiatives in Corporate America. Check out my evening feature in the video below.
My topic on achieving ROI on DEIB initiatives was a favorite at SXSW. I’m pleased to share that from now until April 21st, you’ll be able to access the very same topic for FREE on LinkedIn Learning as part of the Future of Recruiting report I participated in. I encourage ALL recruiters, hiring managers, and people leaders to complete this course.
April Observances
Celebrate Diversity Month - A time to recognize and celebrate the rich and beautiful diversity we have in our global society.
Autism Awareness Month - Different abilities in the workplace are more common than you'd think. In the US, over 5.4 million adults are estimated to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
National Stress Awareness Month - Stress? Burnout? Employee engagement? This is a good chance to check in with your employees mental well-being.
World Autism Awareness Day, April 2 - Light it up blue or wear blue for World Autism Awareness Day to show your support!
World Health Day, April 7 - This year's global health topic is focused on celebrating 75 years of improving public health. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today ̶ and tomorrow.
Good Friday, April 7 - Celebrated by Christians to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.
Easter, April 9 - Celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus' return from death after the crucifixion.
The Day of Silence, April 14 - Students take a daylong vow of silence to protest the silencing of LGBTQ+ students and their straight Allies due to bias and harassment.
Earth Day, April 22 - No matter who you are or where you come from, we all live on the same Earth. Take action and participate in the world's largest environmental movement! Global warming is REAL!
Laylat al-Qadr, April 18 - The holiest night of the year for Muslims. It commemorates the night that the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
Eid al-Fitr, April 20-21 - The first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. During April, make sure you're checking in on employees who are observing this sacred period and provide accommodations where requested.
Yom Ha'Atzmaut, April 25-26 - National Independence Day in Israel.
Until next month...Be well and stay safe & healthy!
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