As the saying goes, the news never stops. In this news roundup, we’ll cover inclusion in the workplace and other topics impacting American workplaces and communities.
1. Cross-Industry Coalition Aims to Boost Disability Inclusion in Marketing and Communications
Accenture (a Fair360 Hall of Fame company) and TD Bank (No. 20 on the 2023 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list) have established a coalition of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) powered by Disability:IN.
The coalition will work on six shared objectives. These include advancing education on accessibility and representation in marketing and communications professions for People with Disabilities.
Coalition members include CMOs and CCOs from companies such as Adobe, Experian and SAP.
2. CHADD Highlights Key Issues During ADHD Awareness Month
October is ADHD Awareness Month. The theme is Moving Forward with ADHD in 2023.
Yahoo Finance wrote that CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is focusing on the pressing issues facing the ADHD community.
Challenges include the ongoing medication shortage for ADHD treatment. Additionally, there’s a need for clear diagnostic and treatment guidelines for adults with ADHD. The lack of access to care for underserved communities, especially among people of color and in rural areas, is another challenge.
Visit Fair360 to read “How Employers Can Support Workers with ADHD.”
3. U.S. Labor Board Strengthens Joint Employer Standard to Protect Worker Rights
The U.S. National Labor Relations Board is implementing a new rule starting December 26. The rule categorizes companies as “joint employers” even if they have indirect control over essential employment terms like pay or firing.
If a company is found to be a joint employer, the law would require them to take a more involved role in setting workplace policies. They could also be required to bargain with unions.
This change simplifies the process for workers and unions to hold firms accountable for labor law violations by their franchisees and contractors. However, it has faced opposition from trade groups.
4. Blue Shield of California Champions Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
Patrice Bergman, VP of Individual and Family Plans at Blue Shield of California discussed the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace and the company’s efforts to promote it in an article written by the organization.
Blue Shield of California is promoting inclusion through its Disability Inclusion Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG). The company recently received the National Organization on Disability’s Leading Disability Employer seal for the third time.
Bergman emphasized the value of voices and perspectives and highlighted the need for increased support and accommodations to create an inclusive work environment.
Learn more about ERGs here!
5. Detroit Leaders Emphasize Equity and Inclusion as the Right Path for Business
During the Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity conference in Detroit, equity and inclusion leaders discussed various aspects of fairness in business.
The three-part plenary included insights on the importance of leading with empathy, equity and inclusion. It also looked at challenges in building cross-cultural relationships. Leaders emphasized the need for consistency, cultural change and open conversations to advance racial equity in communities and organizations.
