Continuing Our Journey to Create a More Inclusive Workplace
Graebel has been on a journey to create a more inclusive workplace, one that better promotes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It is important we recognise the steps we have started to take.
Last year, we partnered with RevWork, formerly known as Lead Inclusively, a diversity and inclusivity-specific consulting group that builds learning, leadership development, employee engagement tools, to guide us on a few next steps. Our goal was to establish baseline data on where we stand and identify gaps and opportunities for betterment and determine our priorities through 2021, which included education, recruiting and performance management.
As a part of that plan, our DEI efforts this year were focused on leadership education and development. We have begun training our extended leadership team on moving from unconscious bias to inclusive behaviours. Additionally, this same group began piloting the Inclusion Virtual Coach app, designed by RevWork. This app is a resourceful tool that helps coach our extended leadership team via tips, sessions, events and reflection activities focused on topics like, meetings, hiring, team development, strategy and planning and performance management.
In the coming months we’ll share further steps we have taken to create a more inclusive workplace, updates from our global DEI Council meetings and steps we are taking to build more inclusive practices into mobility strategies and service offerings for our clients.
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About the author: Valencia joined Graebel in 2007 and now leads company-wide efforts and training of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In addition, Valencia chairs Graebel’s DEI Council. Leveraging her extensive account management experience in global mobility, Valencia supports current clients and prospects in developing more accessible and inclusive employee experiences. Valencia holds a Certified Relocation Professional (CPR®) and Global Mobility Specialist (GMS®) designations from the Worldwide ERC®.
Valencia is an executive board member for her local school district’s foundation ensuring equitable access and opportunity for every student. She also serves in an advisory role in support of the school district’s goal around equity and inclusiveness by holding the district accountable for interrupting the predictable and unfavorable experiences for the marginalized and underrepresented populations in the community.