More Women in Business Means More Cash for Women and Their Employers
Did you know that based on a recent research study from McKinsey, the most ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform the least ethnically diverse companies. As well, Catalyst research shows that companies with more women on board statistically outperform their peers over a long period of time. Clearly, more women in business is good for women and employers.
Higher performance means more success for both women and the companies for which they work. That’s good news for us ladies! This is particularly exciting for younger women who are entering the workforce and mapping out their career goals to ensure their future success.
So how do you, as an employee, drive diversity in your workplace? Meet Dr. Michelle Dawson, Ph.D, and Business Strategist at TONE Networks and Val Grubb, principal at Val Grubb & Associates and Career Coach at TONE Networks. These women were brought together by TONE Networks, an online microlearning platform that provides women with the learning and development resources they need to grow professionally and personally. Ms. Career Girl and TONE partnered to ask these powerful women to share their wisdom on diversity and inclusion, with a focus on how it relates to younger women in the workforce.
Val Grubb, an expert in Human Resources, suggests three ways to enhance diversity efforts at your company.
Be a Leader of Diversity & Inclusion
Talk about these important diversity issues with your company and then lead by example. If your organization lacks programming, look for ways to host conversations on how to be more open, ask for or provide training. Take the lead in trying to help the various generations get along better in the office.
Sell Your Leadership on Why Diversity is Vital
If you’re in a company that doesn’t particularly promote diversity, point out the diversity disparity. Then sell them on what needs to be done.
Mentor More Seasoned Employees
Look around for your more seasoned employees and mentor them, if they need it, so they can be more open to new ideas from diverse talent. Provide constructive feedback and coaching to employees who may be from a different generation and possibly more reluctant to change.
We asked Dr. Dawson for her advice to young women who are seeking a more inclusive work environment. “My recommendation for young women is to recognize this is an issue. Embrace it, and find ways to use it to their advantage,” said Dr. Dawson. “Of course, being different, alone, doesn’t provide leverage. However, when diversity is combined with skill, talent and a consistent positive performance within a company, it can really impact change. Communicating to leadership about how they believe their unique contributions as a member of a diverse population within that company can help the company’s positioning, branding and profitability. It’s all about communicating value and how it benefits the company.”
About TONE Networks, Dr. Michelle Dawson and Val Grubb
TONE Networks provides multiple opportunities for both the individual and the company to move toward a more diverse and inclusive environment. With more than 600 videos, provided by credentialed experts like Val Grubb and Dr. Dawson, TONE covers important topics for women like career, finances, wellness and relationships. Through a combination of self-directed microlearning and community, TONE supports learning and development for women at all stages of their careers.
Want firsthand knowledge from these two experts?
Join TONE Networks as they feature Dr. Michelle Dawson and Val Grubb on April 17 at 1 p.m. ET.
Click here to sign up for this TONE Live streaming event, and you can join in an interactive session with these two experts. The focus is on how businesses can build a foundation of respect, collaboration and diversity to grow a happy, more productive team.
TONE is also available 24/7 to fit into the busy schedule of working women. To learn more about how to become a more powerful career woman visit www.tonenetworks.com
