Diversity continues to be a top priority for NEHRA. An integral part of our diversity strategy is to enable members to more effectively lead and manage diversity within their own organizations. It is our aim to help members cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce in the truest sense of this ubiquitous term.
In addition to race and ethnicity, diversity encompasses many factors including economic, geographic, age and gender. When we discuss our differences, we also examine our distinct similarities and embrace ways we can work together. As we prepare for the changing demographics of our workforce we must take a multifaceted approach to diversity.
Where will the workforce of the future come from? Who will be the talent in our future workplaces? We are bracing for the impending knowledge and talent shortage. As Baby Boomers retire, we must prepare for the declining population of available workers. We must critically consider how to reach into a range of diverse populations such as older workers who may require shorter hours and workers from economically deprived areas who may require additional training. We must think about what work goes overseas and who we many bring here to work. The list goes on.
We must learn how to embrace many diverse populations and promote inclusivity in our workplace. Together, we will find innovative and effective ways to ensure our companies have the human capital to succeed.
NEHRA continues to foster a deep commitment to developing HR professionals in terms of diversity. Just take a look at the spectrum of our "Special Interest Groups" (SIGS) that work diligently on a range of important issues. There are eighteen SIGS focusing on various interests such as not-for-profit companies, international HR, creative work options, students and many other important topics including all aspects of diversity.
Over the past year, NEHRA's Diversity Committee and Hispanic Special Interest Group have played a pivotal role in a program entitled Conexion - Advancing Latino Leadership in Human Resources. In essence, these two NEHRA subcommittees functioned as an incubator offering a supportive environment that fostered this mentoring program designed to develop future Hispanic leaders.
From an association standpoint, NEHRA reflects many layers of diversity. NEHRA is comprised of hundreds of organizations of different sizes and industries from the sole practitioner to the Fortune 500. Within these companies, members serve at varying organizational levels - executives, directors, managers and other professionals. The more we understand the needs of our diverse populations, the more effectively we will function. This provides a richness to our organization that sets us apart. Diversity is the key to our collective success.
Laura Avakian is Vice President of Human Resources for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is the President of NEHRA. This article was originally published in NEHRA's member magazine, Insights (Winter, 2006).
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