Historically, diverse workplaces – for various reasons – have out-competed workplaces with less complex cultures. Especially after the social movements surrounding the untimely death of George Floyd in 2020, American employees have increasingly demanded their employers to take diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into its management practices. As the American workforce becomes more diverse, it’s hard not to believe that these trends represent the future. However, many business attempts to address these issues only consist of more trainings that do little to fix underlying cultural issues. To this mix, Owyoung offers ideas from a long span of experiences, ideas that not only help to alleviate the problems but also advance the business.
This book is directed at those who aspire to do serious work in DEIB, whether as an existing business leader or as an interested and engaged employee. Its goal is not to persuade the reader that these issues are important; it takes that for granted. Instead, it focuses on effective ways to transform the work culture, filled with stories and practical examples. Owyoung aims to change business culture so that the business can deliver better results over time. She facilitates not quick fixes but long-term commitments.
Owyoung’s methods involve the latest business practices, like using data-driven metrics to gauge success, how to recruit an inclusive workforce, or how to expand the interest of senior leadership. Her book is one of the most practical – dare I say, business-minded – approaches that I’ve encountered on this topic. Instead of offering an emotional plea, she speaks the language of business to make her point. For her, DEIB is becoming inevitably intertwined with core business practices to the point that those who do not adapt will be left behind. The younger parts of the workforce are demanding that values for all – not just a privileged majority – be represented in company cultures.
I read this book to educate myself on current DEIB practices for my workplace. I am not a senior leader there but deal with data and interpretation related to employees. Disability is my personal angle into DEIB, but my workplace is undertaking an enterprise-wide initiative towards better institutional DEIB. My learning here seeks to work with these efforts better. At just over 200 pages, this book offered a quick but extensive view of the field. It packed a power punch enough that I had to take occasional breaks to process my reading. It helped me achieve my personal goals of knowledge while refining my business acumen. I definitely recommend it for those seeking an improved DEIB culture in their workplace.
All Are Welcome: How to Build a Real Workplace Culture of Inclusion that Delivers Results
By Cynthia Owyoung
Copyright (c) 2022
McGraw Hill
ISBN13 9781264269785
Page Count: 234
Genre: Business/Management
www.amazon.com