A more inclusive workplace will ultimately mitigate risk and lead to a workforce that feels safer, happier, and more productive.
As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officers and Directors have taken on new and expanded roles in private and public organizations across the country challenges persist. These professionals have seen record turnover in the profession as they are routinely met with resistance from leadership and employees when it comes to actually implementing new policies. This 2023 MACo Winter Conference session hosted a panel of experts who discussed a lack of funding, staffing, and vision as major barriers to creating more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.
The discussion highlighted how organizations without a clear set of goals and metrics for a DEI division tend to spin their wheels, making little progress. These are also, often, divisions that are a department of one, trying to fulfill an open ended directive. Leaders should work with DEI employees to establish short-term and long-term priorities for the workplace. Additionally, support staff is often lacking for DEI leaders which contributes to the impression that these roles are more for show than action in some organizations.
Both attorneys on the panel also agreed that, despite legal challenges to DEI policies in other work sectors, when it comes to local government, DEI initiatives should continue forging ahead. The human resources expert on the panel outlined the areas of federal law that are being cited most often in legal challenges around DEI practices including the 1st, 5th, and 14th amendments. Matthew Peter, Director of Human Resources for the Local Government Insurance Trust said that, ultimately, a more thoughtful, inclusive workplace that considers the needs of all employees will carry significantly less liability risk than ones that don’t and will contribute to greater recruitment and retention efforts, particularly for younger generations.
Title: All Ships Rise: The Role of County Leaders and Employees in DEI Practices
Speakers:
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- Anthony Ferguson – Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Prince George’s County
- Dana P. Moore – Director and Chief Equity Officer, Baltimore City
- Matthew D. Peter – Director of Human Resources, Local Government Insurance Trust
Moderator: Lenny Pfeffer – President, Dorchester County Council
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
