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Action Step – Leveraging Generational Differences

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

With five generations working side-by-side, there’s a lot of talk about generational differences and how that affects work preferences. Expert Chris DeSantis recently led a very informative “Embracing Generational Diversity” Signature Seminar for the Alliance, during which he discussed generational perspectives and how these different perspectives can be beneficial to a team. With so many generations in the workplace, it is truly in everyone’s best interest to work respectfully with each other to leverage everyone’s strengths. We discuss a framework below to help cross-generational teams work successfully.

  1. Listen & Interact: Providing opportunities for interaction leads to understanding each other’s values/needs and breaking of stereotypes. In a hybrid environment, this is especially important, because deeper relationships lead to less bias and greater understanding. As Chris DeSantis discussed in the Alliance’s Signature Seminar, we often unconsciously use confirmation bias (the tendency to favor information that confirms or strengthens one’s beliefs) to support stereotypes.

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

Members: Don’t forget to schedule your annual strategy session!

Alliance Members have access to one Strategy Design & Development Session each year. During these sessions, you may choose to discuss any of your organizational priorities related to diversity and inclusion, flexibility, caregivers, well-being, or talent development objectives. During these one-hour virtual sessions Manar Morales and the Alliance team will share data-driven best practices and advice customized to your organization’s unique needs. Members should provide us with the topics most relevant to their organization’s current needs and anyone who is involved in leading or implementing these initiatives should participate in the meeting (usually no more than 3-4 people).

Sample topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Brainstorming and best practices for launching a new initiative (DEIB, flexibility, well-being, etc.)
  • Parental Leave & Caregiver policies and practices
  • How to effectively on-board and integrate new hires in hybrid work environment
  • Best practices for supporting flexible work schedules
  • Optimizing women’s affinity groups
  • Effective ways to support affinity groups/employee resource groups

Members: Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley to schedule your Strategy Session.

Learn more about the 7 other types of customized member sessions HERE.

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Action Step – Leading Through Change

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

Many organizations have faced a great deal of change over the last few years, including: the pandemic; a new way of working; economic growth and a war for talent; recession/inflation concerns and layoffs; tightening of hybrid work; and reorganizations. Organizations that navigate through these changes systematically and intentionally fare much better. Take a look at the Alliance’s framework for how to successfully lead through change:

  1. INSPIRE – 
    • Power of the Frame: Frame your change initiative in an inspiring way that rallies people around a shared vision of the desired future state. Specifically, connect the change to a broader purpose and organizational values. By doing so, you will likely gain more buy-in and support…

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

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The Wellbeing Quotient in Cultivating Belonging – July 25, 2024

2024 Signature Seminar

The Wellbeing Quotient in Cultivating Belonging

Featuring Kori Carew, Chief Catalyst Officer & Founder, Bridge 68 LLC

July 25, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST

In this comprehensive 60-minute presentation, we will explore the critical intersection of well-being and belonging within professional environments. This session will delve into the definitions and interconnections of belonging, well-being, and employee engagement, and their vital roles in fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Furthermore, the presentation will provide actionable strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging both at the individual and organizational levels, as well as for creating well-being-centric cultures within teams and organizations. By the end of this session, attendees will leave with practical, actionable tools and understanding to enhance their well-being, professional environments and relationships, promoting diversity, equity, and overall organizational success.

Program Objectives:

  1. Define Key Concepts: Provide clear definitions of belonging, well-being, and employee engagement, and explain their significance in the workplace.
  2. Explore Interconnections: Discuss the impact of well-being on inclusion and belonging, and how belonging influences well-being and employee engagement.
  3. Highlight Cultural Impact: Illustrate how belonging and well-being affect organizational culture and performance, and their dependence on diversity and equity.
  4. Strategize for Belonging: Present strategies for creating and enhancing a sense of belonging at both the individual and organizational levels.
  5. Promote Well-being Cultures: Offer practical approaches to foster well-being-centric cultures within teams and organizations, supporting overall employee well-being and engagement.

Additional resources include:

This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 1.0 hours of total CLE credit. Of these, 1.0 qualify as hours of credit for diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias (BCLE Reg. 302:1). If you would like to receive a certificate of attendance, please note the three codes provided during the session and submit your information HERE.

This event is open to all individuals at member organizations. Not a member? Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley for more information. 

Members: Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley for access to the recording (available through August 26, 2024).

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Manar Morales Weighs in on Gen Z Women & Partnership Law360 Article

“It’s not a lack of ambition. I think it’s the idea — What are the environments we’re in? Do I look up the ladder and see people who look like me? Is the organization investing in me? Can I be human at work?”

Alliance President & CEO Manar Morales weighs in on Gen Z Women and Partnership in this Law360 article, Gen Z Women are Shunning Big Law Partnership. Here’s Why.

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Announcing the 2024 Leadership Symposium

We’re excited to announce our 2024 Leadership Symposium curriculum – which includes three virtual seminars for individuals at Champion and Leader-level member organizations looking to expand their personal leadership style and business acumen.

We encourage Champion & Leader members to register even if you are unable to attend live as we will send the link to the recording directly to your inbox.

CHAMPION & LEADER MEMBERS - REGISTER FOR ALL 3 PROGRAMS HERE


Session 1: ERG/Affinity Group Leader Training feat. Manar Morales

July 11 | 1:00 pm ET

As a leader, you understand the need for structure, resources, and training to make sure your employee resource group (ERG)/affinity group succeeds. Join Alliance President & CEO, Manar Morales, to learn how to: structure ERGs/affinity groups and delegate responsibilities; best run and manage meetings; share lessons learned with other ERGs/affinity groups; impact leadership and decision-making; and, continuously monitor results.

This training is designed for anyone who leads or participates in an employee resource group or affinity group, or anyone who would like to start an ERG/affinity group at your organization.

CHAMPION & LEADER MEMBERS - REGISTER HERE


Session 2: Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business & Your Career feat. Mo Bunnell

September 11 | 1:30 pm ET

Everyone knows developing relationships and business is a top priority, but what people aren’t taught is that you can do it in a way that feels great, where everyone wins at every turn.

In this dynamic session, Mo Bunnell, author of the book Give to Grow, will show you how to invest in relationships how to win the work you want at the clients you want—so you can make the impact you want.

*Please note that while most of our programs begin at 1:00 pm ET, this session starts at 1:30.

CHAMPION & LEADER MEMBERS - REGISTER HERE


Session 3: Diffusing Power Dynamics feat. Rudhir Krishtel

November 13 | 1:00 pm ET

Every relationship has power dynamics, often existing across race or gender-based differences. Is the power you exert dominating or empowering others? Hierarchical environments driven by dominant power dynamics are commonly not inclusive. Especially in dynamics where people feel unheard or uncomfortable sharing their experiences. In this workshop, participants will be guided to understand power dynamics, encouraged to explore how to diffuse them, and ultimately create workplace environments that can evolve past the unhelpful complexities that power dynamics create.

CHAMPION & LEADER MEMBERS - REGISTER HERE

The Leadership Symposium is open to Champion and Leader-level members. If you are an Advocate member that would like to learn more, please contact Angela Whitehead Quigley.

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Registration now open for the 2024 Annual Conference

We’re thrilled to announce our 2024 Annual Conference: Harnessing the Power of Your Organizational Culture to be held at the Washington, DC offices of Akin, (2001 K Street, NW) on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Each year our conference brings together trailblazers and thought leaders to share cutting-edge strategies for optimizing recruitment, retention, and engagement through DEI, flexibility, and well-being.

This year’s conference will focus on how to drive success with a strong organizational culture that prioritizes diversity, flexibility, and well-being. Stay tuned for more details on inspirational speakers, innovative content, and this unique opportunity to connect with other leaders focused on humanizing the workplace!

Alliance members receive two complimentary tickets to the Annual Conference. Members – please reserve your complimentary tickets no later than September 6th to ensure availability.

Early bird registration is now open through July 31. Reserve your spot today!

REGISTER FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

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Action Step – Organizational Solutions to Foster Well-Being

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

Since the pandemic, organizations have increased their acceptance of workplace flexibility significantly. Greater workplace flexibility has many business benefits, including improved well-being. However, organizations need to invest in a number of additional solutions to truly enhance well-being. As with workplace flexibility, employee well-being has numerous far-reaching organizational benefits, including better productivity and engagement. Our recommendations regarding critical
organizational solutions to truly move the needle on employee well-being are as follows:

  1. Enhance Autonomy & Control. Give employees more control over their schedules and projects to increase their autonomy, which is associated with higher levels of well-being.
    • Increase control over work schedules: If possible, create workplace flexibility policies that allow employees some control over their schedules. Offer as many flexible work options as possible so employees can utilize what works best for them…..

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

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Announcing the 2024 Sabbatical & Well-being Poll

Please Complete Our QUICK Sabbatical & Well-being Poll

Our 2024 Sabbatical & Well-being Poll is now open for members and non-members – regardless of industry.

The poll should not take more than 15 minutes!

Members and poll participants will be invited to attend a symposium to discuss best practices around sabbaticals and well-being based on our poll results, research, industry trends, and literature reviews. The poll responses will be analyzed and aggregated, and responses will be kept confidential.

The poll has now closed. Please contact Sejal Shah if you have questions.

The 8 Types of Customized Member Sessions

Members of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance gain access to valuable opportunities to collaborate directly with Manar Morales and the Alliance team. See below for the different types of personalized member sessions we offer, during which you can gain expert advice and customized recommendations tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

1. New Member Orientation Call

This Zoom call with Angela Whitehead Quigley provides new member teams with a review of Alliance benefits in detail and an opportunity to discuss how to maximize them for your needs. We recommend that new members schedule this call right away. Members: Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley to schedule your New Member Orientation Call.

2. Annual Benefits & Goals Alignment Review Call

For renewing members, this Zoom call with Angela Whitehead Quigley provides you with a quick reminder of your valuable Alliance member benefits along with advice on how to maximize your benefits to meet your organization’s unique needs in the coming year. We recommend that you schedule this call when you renew your annual membership or whenever a new main contact joins your team. Members: Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley to schedule your Annual Benefits & Goals Alignment Review Call.

3. Strategy Design & Development Session

All Alliance members have access to one Strategy Design & Development Session each year. During these sessions, you may choose to discuss any of your organizational priorities related to diversity and inclusion, flexibility, caregivers, wellbeing or talent development objectives. During these one-hour virtual sessions Manar Morales and the Alliance team will share data-driven best practices and advice customized to your organization’s unique needs. Members should provide us with the topics most relevant to their organization’s current needs and anyone who is involved in leading or implementing these initiatives should participate in the meeting (usually no more than 3-4 people). Members: Contact Emma Simpkins to schedule your Strategy Session.

4. Follow-Up Strategy Implementation Planning Call

This one-hour Zoom call, available to Leader and Champion members, provides an opportunity for members to delve deeper into the topics discussed during the Strategy Session. The emphasis is on practical steps and action plans to put the recommendations into practice. Members: Contact Emma Simpkins to schedule your Implementation Call.

5. Annual Comprehensive Policy Review

All Alliance members have access to one Policy Review each year. After the Alliance conducts the policy review, the member is invited to schedule a Q&A Zoom call to discuss any questions that arise after reviewing the Alliance’s recommendations. This call provides you with advice on one draft policy, guideline, program/committee framework, or strategic plan in an area related to talent, DEIB, workplace flexibility, caregiver support or wellbeing. Members: Contact Sejal Shah for more information about policy reviews.

6. Advisory Solutions Hours

Our Advisory Solutions hours are provided to Leader (two hours) and Champion (four hours) members. These Zoom calls can be scheduled with any organizational leaders and member contacts to discuss the development and implementation of a relevant challenge or issue your organization is facing. Members often choose to discuss stakeholder strategies, action steps and best practices around hybrid work, DE&I, leave policies, and flexible work. Members: Contact Emma Simpkins to schedule your Advisory Solutions Hours.

7. Customized Flex Assessment

Champion Members have access to one Custom Flex Assessment per membership cycle. A Custom Flex Assessment includes a series of surveys with the member, and results in a customized, written assessment of the member’s flexibility and leave policies, programs, and practices, along with specific recommendations on areas to address and prioritize. After reviewing the customized, written assessment, members can schedule a Zoom call with the Alliance to go over any questions and next steps. Members: Contact Sejal Shah for more information about custom flex assessments.

8. Virtual Member Coffee

These complimentary 30-minute Zoom calls provide all members with an informal check-in opportunity to discuss how things are going and general challenges you’re facing. Members: Contact Angela Whitehead Quigley to schedule your Virtual Member Coffee.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP