Earlier this year, SkyWater Search Partners was invited to join the Ramsey County Inclusive Workplaces Cohort. The group had its third monthly meeting in December 2021. We would love to share what we have learned and continue the discussion.

January Discussion and Take-Aways

This month's meeting was titled "Creating An Inclusive Workplace Culture." In this session, we discussed the conditions that have the greatest impact on systematic change. Together we explored:

1. Six conditions of systems change.
2. Where employer actions are currently failing.
3. The characteristics of an inclusive workplace.
4. Measuring inclusion.

Break-out session questions we explored

Our break-out sessions are guided by a handful of questions posed by the cohort presenters. These were thought-provoking questions and lead to some valuable discussions. We'd like to share these break-out session questions and encourage your leadership team to discuss these together.

• Within your place of business, have you discussed the difference between diversity and inclusion as it relates to race?
• In what ways have you begun making more of an impact on organizational culture?
• What needs have you identified within your organization to transform the culture?
• Do you currently measure inclusion? If not, how might you start?

Where employer actions are failing

Nationally, employers' efforts for inclusivity are falling short. Quite the statement, but the Center for Economic Inclusion is all about data, so these statements are backed up.

Conditions of System Change

So why is it important to measure these data points, review the findings, and have these discussions at the leadership level? Because only then, will the impactful change begin. We are reminded that structural change, such as changes to policies and practices, friendships and power dynamics, and our mental modes lead to the outcomes we are all striving for. These outcomes are racial equity, inclusion, belonging, and improved economic performance.

Review the full presentation from session 4 here.

What is the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort?

The goal of the cohort is to accelerate employers’ ability to advance racial equity and inclusion within their organizations and to support businesses that aim to leverage and sustain a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. Approximately 20 employers were be selected to participate and influence their organization’s hiring strategies and efforts. The Center for Economic Inclusion leads each discussion by creating a learning environment that fosters the discussion and sharing of ideas while encouraging accountability through safe and brave spaces for confidentiality. 

Upcoming Session Topics

We're very excited for our next meeting on December 9, where the topic is "creating an inclusive workplace culture." We'll be posting a blog after each Cohort session so please subscribe to this blog and join the conversation.

Here is the posted schedule through August 2022:

*Another study showed that 24% of black homes are owned, however, we had some trouble finding a link to the source of that statistic. In either case, the racial wealth gap is prevalent in homeownership statistics.