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January, 2001
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HRACI
Year 2001
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HRACI and the State of Diversity in Central Indiana
Jeff Harlig, HRACI Diversity Committee Member |
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In April and May 2000, HRACI’s Diversity Committee—chaired at the time by Kathy Marra-Wert, and now chaired by Louonna Kachur, with members Mellissa Boggs, Pam Chase, Jeff Harlig, and Brian McDermott—surveyed the HRACI membership about the diversity practices at their places of employment. The results were presented at a special breakfast edition of the HRACI monthly meeting on August 17. Four companies were identified from the survey as having exemplary diversity practices, and representatives from those companies were invited to present the best practices of their companies at the breakfast. Sally Davis and Clemente McWilliams described diversity at Eli Lilly, Judy Muessig spoke for National City Bank, Ginny Suever discussed the practices of White River Environmental, and Barbara McDowell represented the U.S. Postal Service in Indianapolis. The speakers stressed the need to make a business case for diversity, to involve middle and upper management, and to get involved with the surrounding community when building a diversity program.
The survey contained 13 questions covering most policy points and activities recognized in SHRM literature on diversity best practices. Eighty-eight surveys were returned out of about 500 sent out. The results demonstrate the need for increased focus on diversity by Central Indiana companies. For example, only 35% of the companies responding have a diversity program in place. Only 16% have staff assigned exclusively to diversity-related issues. A mere one percent reported having a mentoring program for minority and female employees, or for those with disabilities. It’s interesting to note that 95% of respondents have guidelines for investigating and resolving harassment and discrimination complaints. Perhaps some proactive steps would reduce the likelihood of complaints arising in the first place?
Under the leadership of HRACI president Kim Vosburg, diversity will continue to be a major focus of HRACI programming in the new year. The January monthly meeting (January 18 at the Murat Center) will feature Dr. Berenice Ruhl, an Indianapolis diversity expert. Throughout the year, monthly meetings will feature occasional short vignettes and teaching pieces on diversity, and the newsletter will also present articles on diversity topics. A new survey will be circulated in mid-2001, and next November’s awards luncheon will include awards for best practices in diversity among Indianapolis-area companies. The companies will be selected in partnership with the Diversity Roundtable, an association of Central Indiana companies dedicated to progress in diversity management for its members.
We hope all HRACI members will join us in recognizing the importance of an
inclusive and diverse workplace in the new year. See you in January!
from the Human Resources Association of Central Indiana website:
http://hraci.org/newsletter/conn_0101.shtml
Watch
for 2001 survey results—coming soon!
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