Talking about ethnic diversity in the workplace How can we all act at work? Start with your personal analysis and ask yourself Actively support and sponsor Employee/ Business how good you’re at engaging with people from Resource Groups and their initiatives. different ethnic backgrounds Diversify and expand your networks; seek out untapped Educate yourself on issues relating to ethnic minorities, talents and provide opportunities. ask your team members and/or colleagues to do so. Ask for diverse slates of candidates for hiring and promotion. Dare to engage in bold conversations on the topic Actively invite a range of perspectives and voices on of ethnic minorities. all your teams. Set ground rules for these conversations, e.g. get Notice what people are experiencing and ask how comfortable being uncomfortable, don’t interrupt, their experience differs from yours. ensure confidentiality. Influence others by making the conversation about Call out racist behaviour, discrimination, challenge ethnic minorities a continuous dialogue. conscious and unconscious ethnic bias. Identify talents within the organisation and support Fight against any other forms of disrespectful them to address the barriers they face at work. behaviours, even when they affect “majority groups” Create mentoring and/or reverse mentoring relationships Be a role model by being accountable for fostering to help build new skills and perspectives. ethnic minorities’ representation at all levels of the organization. Sponsor talents from ethnic minorities, become Consider volunteering in the community to support their advocate, give them visibility, stretch assignments local underprivileged populations. and projects to accelerate their careers. 14