Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become a top priority for companies and organizations of all sizes. In 2020 many employers grappled with DEI efforts, as the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront organizational challenges in meeting DEI goals while balancing the racial and social justice movements alongside changes in international, federal, state, and local laws. Now more than ever, individuals are looking to align with companies and organizations that share values, including in relation to the implementation of meaningful DEI programs. DEI has become a business-critical item that requires not only organizational resources, but also thoughtful consideration in connection with how DEI programs align with the company’s core values, and the potential legal and compliance implications of such programs. The panel will address how DEI efforts can create new risks, and will discuss key considerations and risk mitigation strategies for building out international DEI initiatives from organizational, employment, and privacy perspectives. Among other topics, our panel will specifically address:
- Promoting voluntary self-identification while ensuring confidentiality and inclusion: best practices regarding Self-ID with regard to gender/gender identity and sexual orientation;
- Enhancing organizational gender transition guidelines and best practices for transgender employment policies;
- Unconscious bias and stereotyping from a multigenerational LGBTQ+ perspective;
- Promoting a Psychologically Safe Workplace: how to raise LGBTQ+ issues during in-person and remote work environments effectively.
Not for CLE.