As 2022 rolls its credits, many leaders are wondering if certain programming, like DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) initiatives, might need to be left on the cutting room floor for 2023. Unfortunately, due to the economic uncertainty that so many businesses (and individuals) are facing, and in an attempt to recession-proof the company, reducing DEI efforts has become a go-to solution - especially when an organization views DEI as a “nice to have” versus it being a business imperative. However, the answer doesn't necessarily have to be taking resources away from DEI efforts, but to instead be more intentional about how to execute DEI in the new year. The main consideration must be towards leaving behind any DEI initiative that does not inspire behavior change and does not address the root causes and systemic issues that lead to bigotry, discrimination, and inequity in the workplace. Check-the-box, compliance-driven DEI activities are not the best use of employee time or the company’s money. DEI champion, Renu Sachdeva, Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Talking Talent, North America, recommends that organizations that are looking to do DEI better in the new year should ditch these 5 DEI trends that are more of a hindrance than a help…

Way back in 1999, Jack Welch, then-chief executive officer at General Electric, realized this new thing—the internet—wasn’t going away. In fact, the internet could be a game changer for businesses like his. But top leaders, mostly of the same generation as Welch, didn’t know how to enter a portal or run a search, much less have a conversation around outreach potential. Thus, the dawn of reverse mentoring. With this role-reversal strategy, the executive or leader becomes the mentee, the staff member the mentor. Leaders meet one-on-one with employees from diverse backgrounds to get their perspectives on their jobs and the company.

A Yale psychology professor smashes myths on aging and the worth of older workers in her fascinating and uplifting new book, “Breaking the Age Code.” A truly fascinating, just released book by psychology professor Becca Levy of Yale University shatters many of the basic – and completely wrong – assumptions that we have been told were gospel about aging as far back as most of us can recall.

Structural racism is a reality in the American workplace. Studies have shown that all else being equal, white employees are more likely than their non-white peers to receive callbacks for job interviews, are less likely to be blamed for poor performance, earn significantly higher wages, and advance faster. But despite this substantial body of research, many white Americans continue to deny that they may benefit from racial privilege in work settings. In fact, a 2021 survey found that nearly half of white people in the U.S. believe that they are discriminated against — not privileged — due to their race. Of course, some discomfort surrounding the idea of privilege is understandable. Being confronted with racial privilege can trigger strong feelings of defensiveness and denial, especially in workplace contexts that are assumed to be merit-driven.

The 53-47 vote elevated the first Black woman to the pinnacle of the judicial branch as senators erupted in cheers. Three Republicans joined Democrats in supporting President Biden’s nominee.

New in @SCI_Newsfeed, our Head of Research Elen Callahan discusses how securitization can be a useful tool in addressing the growing wealth inequality gap.

Kristen Egziabher was all jitters just before the pandemic, awaiting news of a possible raise, until her manager came back dejected from his meeting with the higher-ups. “I was presenting the case for you,” he told her. “And people were like, ‘We don’t really know Kristen. We only know her work.’”

Conflict between generations is an age-old phenomenon. But at the end of 2019, when the retort “OK, Boomer” went viral, the vitriol — from both young people who said it and older people who opposed it — was pointed and widespread.

We hope SFA's Black History Month features and resources sparked conversations and provided you with new information

Americans face a lot of tough economic challenges today. The student debt crisis. Unaffordable housing. Wage gaps. These issues (and more) make it harder for folks to live their best lives. And Black women bear the heaviest burdens, which is why lightening their loads can help lift the whole economy.