Apples to Allies: Why wellness and diversity are one and the same

Wellness and diversity, equity and inclusion are having a much-needed moment. While in recent years these programs have become a more accepted and expected part of the workplace, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement cast an even brighter spotlight on these aspects of workplace culture in 2020. Organizations that had avoided speaking out on these issues were suddenly conspicuous by their absence, and taking a strong stand became an expectation from both employees and from customers.

“In the wake of nationwide protests against racial injustice, employees are expecting employers to not only talk the talk but also walk the walk,” said Glassdoor senior economist Daniel Zhao in an August 2020 SHRM article. “New economic research suggests that pressure and awareness from employees may be spurring companies to back up their commitments with action.”

Allies, those in the majority advocating for marginalized groups, have become more important than ever. Organizations have the opportunity to be allies on a grander scale and it’s about more than joining the conversation; it’s about taking action to support employee social and mental wellness and psychological safety.

We often think of wellness and DEI as separate topics with different approaches. Wellness means fitness centers, nutrition challenges or meditation groups, while DEI is about employee resource groups, recruitment and, in many cases, much-needed policy changes. The truth is that whether you’re talking about fewer sugary snacks in your vending machines or gender-neutral restrooms, it’s all part of the same conversation.

 

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