02.17.25
Why Workplace Inclusion Matters: The Moral Imperative Behind DEI
By Sadie Rudolph, Vice President of Strategic Communications, FMWF Chamber
Attendees engage in conversation over inclusive practices at the Feb. 12 Inclusion Insights session.
As conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continue to evolve, workplace inclusion remains a pressing issue. While DEI initiatives sometimes face opposition, their importance is undeniable. At its core, inclusion is a moral imperative—simply the right thing to do.
This information in this blog stems from Whitney Harvey’s presentation at Inclusion Insights, a training series for HR professionals, workforce activators, and non-profit navigators. As the Senior Director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, Harvey outlined why fostering inclusivity is essential in today’s workplaces.
The Moral Case for Inclusion
- Human Dignity and Respect: Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender or identity.
- Fairness and Equal Opportunity: Inclusion ensures fairness in hiring, promotions and career advancement, giving everyone a fair chance to succeed.
- Combatting Discrimination and Bias: Addressing unconscious bias and systemic barriers levels the playing field for all employees.
- Social and Ethical Leadership: Organizations that prioritize inclusivity set an example of responsible leadership, fostering a just society.
The Role of Nonprofits in DEI
Nonprofits play a critical role in championing DEI by advocating for social justice and equitable opportunities. Their efforts create ripple effects, influencing industries and communities to adopt inclusive practices.Â
Overcoming Bias and Finding Your Voice
Harvey emphasized the importance of challenging assumptions and reshaping the narrative around DEI. Instead of asking, "Is DEI really necessary?" we must find our voices and advocate for meaningful change in the workplace.
Workplace inclusion is a moral obligation that benefits everyone. By fostering dignity, fairness and ethical leadership, businesses and organizations can create environments where all employees thrive. The time to act is now—champion inclusion and drive meaningful change.
Take the next step
Register for session three where Whitney will recap the first two sessions and teach us how to operationalize inclusion solutions. This session is scheduled for March 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead, Minn.
The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training opportunity. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.Â
SHARE
More Stories
Upcoming Events