As we work our way out of the pandemic, and offices are starting to fill back up, we are finding that the dynamic in the workplace has shifted. Some still work from home, others go back and forth between home and the office, and everyone is beginning to realize that the workplace will not go back to the way it was before COVID hit our nation.
Many businesses are starting to understand that they need to change the environment and create a new workspace. Culture needs to be shifted to be more inclusive of all employees, making everyone feel that they are part of one big team. But where do we even start with making this shift? This is where a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting firm can help a company find their way and help create a strategic plan to include all employees.
What to Know When You Hire a DEI consultant
Hiring a diversity and inclusion consulting firm is part of a plan to bring about cultural change. It's about working with a partner to achieve individual and organizational growth within a company. A DEI consultant cannot change a business by itself, but they can come up with a collaborative approach in leadership training to help companies create a workplace of belonging with high employee engagement. Here are a few things to consider when looking for specific leadership training from a consultant:
DEI Education: Proactive Versus Compliance Approach
Some companies are looking to check the box and facilitate training to make sure they can avoid lawsuits and secure funding. These companies are looking for an approach that complies with general state and federal laws stating that a company must include all employees.
Other companies take their DEI further with a proactive learning approach. These businesses are solutions-oriented, want to have a true strategic plan, and create trainings for their leadership team. This teaches the team to be inclusive of all employees and the benefits of engaging all employees in the company.
Before hiring a diversity and inclusion consulting firm, a company must know which stance they are taking so they can have open and honest conversations with the consultant.
Your Organizational Inner Workings
An effective DEI consultant will ask a bunch of questions about the organization, their understanding of employee engagement and inclusivity, the company culture, and problems that the company is facing. In order to provide leadership coaching and guidance, the consultant must understand the organization's origins, how it has been run in the past, and what the goals are for the future.
By understanding your business and sharing with your consulting firm, we at Socius Strategies can create an ally to business partnership. In forming this bond, we are providing a unified front that can break down the walls that lead to resistance within employees. We are also able to strategize action steps that result in true cultural change.
How the Consultant's Social Identity Will Benefit Your Company
Hiring a consultant who can navigate your specific company issues is crucial. Know your consulting firm's strengths and weaknesses and understand what they can help with. Ask them questions about their past collaborative approaches and how they've helped other companies with inclusive leadership strategies.
If your consultant doesn't take the time to get to know your business, your partnership could run into real problems. That is why, at Socius Strategies, we believe in taking a complete approach to diversity and inclusion training. Socius, in Latin, means partner or ally, and we believe in partnering with our clients to provide a highly collaborative approach in leadership training. Our experienced consultants meet you where you are, so your company can grow stronger.
If you're in the market for leadership coaching or looking to improve employee engagement, give us a call to schedule a consultation with our team today!
