The changes we’re looking to make to create an inclusive workforce starts with structural and cultural change. That’s one of the takeaways from last week’s Virtual Voices on race in the workplace.

Virtual Voices aims to keep Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation alums informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. Each virtual meeting brings together leaders on the front lines of impacted industries to share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons.

Helen Young Hayes, founder and CEO of Activate Workplace Solutions, Craig Smith, president and COO of HomeAdvisor, and Jason Thompson, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Western Governors University and DEI executive coach, shared their thoughts on efforts we can take to make our economy more inclusive and how to start conversations about race at your company.

Check out our key takeaways and the video of the webinar below.

Focus on data, not surveys. We’ve all done it: Let’s survey our team to see if we’re meeting our organization’s goals. But surveys won’t give you the information you need to see if you’re operating in a lens of DEI. Instead focus on the data. Data shows if a problem exists and gives you actionable items to focus on to address that problem. For example, what is your organization’s retention rate for people of color or women compared to others?

Have a long-term vision. Commit to the journey and to having an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Short-term remedies aren’t sustainable. One way to focus on the long term is to implement frequent DEI trainings and conversations. A one-time training doesn’t create change. Have frequent opportunities for staff to engage in the DEI space so you can train to the problem and hold people accountable. Remember, this isn’t just an “episode,” We’re in this for the long term.

And, the long-term vision for cultural change needs to come from the top down. If your leaders aren’t thinking through the lens of DEI, sustainable change won’t happen.

Rethink how you hire. Hiring practices have created barriers for people of color, screening them out of the process. You can level the hiring field. Remove irrelevant credentials and focus on transferable skills. Focus on their potential. And, think about if you’re creating a path for success for diverse candidates. If there’s no room for professional growth within your company, you might be missing out on great candidates. This will allow you to screen in applicants rather than screening them out.

Listen and learn. There isn’t a perfect model for how to focus on DEI in the workplace, but there are a lot of great resources. Take the time to listen and learn from your community. Hear from your staff, too. Understand their perspectives and experiences.

Action you can take. Educate yourself and your community. We can’t dismantle racism if we don’t work together, discuss and get involved. You can get involved by joining Inclusive Economy, a collection of CEOs, executive directors and other business leaders. Inclusive Economy is working with the Chamber family’s initiative, Prosper CO, to create an economy that works for all.

Join us for an upcoming Virtual Voices. Check out our upcoming programs.