Recently, our Black employee ERG FGS Noire hosted a fireside chat on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion work for the Black community. The discussion, featuring Vickee Jordan Adams and Karen Boykin-Towns, focused on recent efforts to undermine DE&I work and the rising fear of backlash around speaking out amongst corporate leadership.
In highlighting strategies companies can use to safeguard DE&I, they stressed the importance of thoughtful corporate communication. Below are some key takeaways that highlight how companies can better use their voice in support of DE&I work:
Develop a process to cross-check potential statements or responses against core values to ensure a strategic, considered approach to DE&I communications. Avoid speaking out about certain issues in a reactionary way.
Avoid only speaking out against issues. Be sure to also positively communicate commitments to DE&I.
Use both internal and external communications platforms to strategically convey DE&I efforts, such as internal statements as well as messaging on websites and other public-facing channels.
Continue to use words like "diversity" and "inclusion" and discuss DE&I topics in corporate materials rather than removing them due to backlash fears.
Accept that backlash will come with leadership and support your teams by committing to ethical values and supporting their teams.