Telework Inclusivity + Equity Tips

In the past week, I have found my thoughts gravitating toward the financial impact of COVID-19 on Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, large and small. In trying to stay positive, I’m sharing tips on ways to keep inclusivity and equity top of mind while working remotely. I hope we all find renewed energy in what’s possible on the other side of this pandemic and gain sharper focus on our businesses, careers and health.

Be Flexible

Everyone has different needs and wants and this is definitely true in times of crisis.

Ensure Wi-Fi Access

Ensure that everyone on your team has access to reliable Wi-Fi from home, especially if they live in rural areas. Don’t make assumptions.

Take a Virtual Roll Call

When facilitating a virtual meeting, acknowledge everyone on the phone call or video conference by calling them by their name. An upfront roll call is usually very helpful.

Encourage Everyone to Speak

Imagine and leverage your list of participants as a virtual conference table. Go around the “table" and ask participants to chime in on various agenda topics. Some participants might have a tough time speaking up over the phone and need to be overtly given an opportunity to speak.

Utilize Local Resources

Be mindful of participants with disabilities. Do they have the appropriate technology in place to work from home? Reach out to local resources to ensure that visually and hearing-impaired participants can fully engage during your meetings.

Stress the Importance of Kindness

Continue to stress the importance of being inclusive and kind with one another during good and bad times. It's common to see the number of workplace incidents go up when stress is high. Be vigilant and act with conviction. Now, more than ever, is the time to remind employees what the workplace culture is and can be. Shine now and show your employees how much you value each of them — they won’t forget.

Check in on All Employees

Be mindful that some colleagues and community members can’t do their work from home. How do you check in with them? How do you make decisions with their interests and wellbeing in mind? Find more information diversity and inclusion insight at schabelsolutions.com.

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.

Find these tips useful? Find more business tools and information by visiting the Business Resources page.