(Image: Getty)Creating more diverse teams has been top-of-mind for many companies in recent months, and Emily Rasowsky has a three-pronged approach for how to get it done.
Rasowsky leads digital marketing for an innovation team at Amazon, and is the founder and CEO of the Women in Tech Campaign.
Its Unmute program is looking to facilitate conversations about racism in the workplace, particularly between white women and women of color.
“We train people how to have really vulnerable conversations by physically supporting their nervous systems, their emotional health, and their mental capacity to self-reflect,” Rasowsky says.
“If we can hack the system, so that folks who look different or act different or come from different backgrounds can relate, we can build a more equitable society."
(Image courtesy of Emily Rasowsky) Hiring more diverse teams requires strategic thinking, according to Rasowsky.
First, you have to understand what diversity means to your company; consider diversity of faces, but also backgrounds and experiences.
“It’s important to not just say this matters, but show your cards,” Rasowsky says.
“And people notice.
For any company, it’s important to put your money where your mouth is.”
The second element is employee retention.
Your work is not done once an offer letter has been accepted.
“You have to create a semblance of company culture that supports them and their growth,” Rasowsky said.
“This means managerial engagement, which means your managers and upper managers are trained."
Finally, there’s a community element in which companies have channels or groups for employees to express themselves.
"You have to have a full pipeline, otherwise you’re not going to get the right people in the door,” Rasowsky says.
Companies interested in Unmute can contact Rasowsky on letsunmute.com.
(Image: Getty)Creating more diverse teams has been top-of-mind for many companies in recent months, and Emily Rasowsky has a three-pronged approach for how to get it done.
Rasowsky leads digital marketing for an innovation team at Amazon, and is the founder and CEO of the Women in Tech Campaign.
Its Unmute program is looking to facilitate conversations about racism in the workplace, particularly between white women and women of color.
“We train people how to have really vulnerable conversations by physically supporting their nervous systems, their emotional health, and their mental capacity to self-reflect,” Rasowsky says.
“If we can hack the system, so that folks who look different or act different or come from different backgrounds can relate, we can build a more equitable society."
(Image courtesy of Emily Rasowsky) Hiring more diverse teams requires strategic thinking, according to Rasowsky.
First, you have to understand what diversity means to your company; consider diversity of faces, but also backgrounds and experiences.
“It’s important to not just say this matters, but show your cards,” Rasowsky says.
“And people notice.
For any company, it’s important to put your money where your mouth is.”
The second element is employee retention.
Your work is not done once an offer letter has been accepted.
“You have to create a semblance of company culture that supports them and their growth,” Rasowsky said.
“This means managerial engagement, which means your managers and upper managers are trained."
Finally, there’s a community element in which companies have channels or groups for employees to express themselves.
"You have to have a full pipeline, otherwise you’re not going to get the right people in the door,” Rasowsky says.
Companies interested in Unmute can contact Rasowsky on letsunmute.com.
