The fact that companies instituted DEI efforts tells us something. In June 2022 I checked out of the library and read 5 DEI business books one right after the other.
I propose that the remedy falls on White coworkers and coworkers of color to come together. The scarcity mentality that exists keeps people competing against each other for self-gain. We should come together because everyone’s in the same lifeboat holding on for dear life.
Any DEI efforts should first be initiated coworker to coworker regardless of our skin color. All coworkers should feel like we have equity or ownership in the outcome of our work projects.
There’s no cause for a coworker to gaslight you or me or to sabotage our work.
It starts with us–with you and me treating every coworker the right way. Banding together on the job to agitate for worker’s rights. It’s like the suspicious packages credo in the NYC subway system that mandates: “If you see something, say something.”
We should not fear retaliation for coming to the aid of coworkers or for fighting against workplace injustice. This issue of being laid off is a real thing though.
Perhaps what we really need along with an emergency fund is a “see you later” account. So that we can speak out and survive financially.
Really DEI begins long before any of us starts our first job. It hinges on widening our circle of friends. Being aware of what’s going on beyond our own lives. Checking a non-fiction book out of the library to read about these topics.
Twenty-five years ago in a Library Management course in graduate school I was already thinking about workplace dynamics. I chose for my term paper to write about how to reward workers for a job well done. How managers could motivate workers.
Giving staff members five 3 x 3 inch sheets of origami paper to “rekindle from burnout” doesn’t cut it.
In coming blog entries I’ll talk about finding a job you’ll love waking up to go to in the morning.
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