Hire and Retain a Diverse Staff: Nurture a Positive Staff Community

Group of four diverse, smiling professional women.

Candidates are seeking workplaces where they can intertwine their beliefs with those of the company, and work together on a common vision of purpose and success.

– Natalie Baumgartner


This activity is designed to foster effective leadership practices.

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Read this summary by REL Northwest REL about recruiting and retaining teachers of color.

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Read this article from the Harvard Business Review about building a culture that aligns to people’s values.

SUMMARY:

Are leaders effectively driving culture?

  • According to a recent survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research, 85% of CEOs and CFOs believe an unhealthy culture leads to unethical behavior.
    • What’s more, that same survey found that nine out of 10 CFOs believe improving company culture would increase their company’s business value and performance.
  • However, Nearly half of employees (45%) say leadership is minimally or not at all committed to improving culture. 
  • TIP FOR IMPROVEMENT: Including employees in the culture-building process; encouraging and utilizing employee feedback and input; and frequent, meaningful, real-time recognition can all help create a workplace culture employees want to be a part of.

How can leaders build cultures of empowerment?

  • Improving role fit
    • Employees should be encouraged to focus on the work they’re most passionate about and where they feel they provide the most value.
  • Establishing connections in the workplace
    • Employee experience is greatly affected by day-to-day relationships, and that’s why it’s important to give employees opportunities to strengthen those relationships.
  • Connecting roles to purpose
    • Employers must develop a culture that reinforces the important role each employee plays within their organization.

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REFLECT: What are three takeaways you can use during your next hiring cycle, or to retain your current staff?


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Resources We Love (And Hope You Will Too!)

During our May Counterpart meetings, we asked folks to share what they have been engaging with recently. Below is a list of all the resources shared by our incredible community, offering a taste of the diverse and inspiring content they’re currently exploring. This list has something for everyone: from thought-provoking articles to captivating podcasts to must-watch documentaries. So, take a peek, pick your poison, and get ready to dive into something fantastic!

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