Celebrating Diversity in April
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.. Celebrate it every day.” - Winston Churchill
Since 2004, April has been known as diversity month. This month is to help people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other and our differences. 2022 brings multiple opportunities to learn more about diversity and those around us. World Autism Awareness Day, Ramadan, Easter, and Earth Day are just a few chances to celebrate this April.
As leaders, we must prioritize our commitment to diversity and inclusion. As we start to enter seemingly post-pandemic times, the way we work has changed. While working outside of the office has afforded people more time doing what interests them, it has also created a partial disconnect between team members. For many, gone are the days of lunch and break times spent chattering with co-workers. While technology is advancing and proving that companies and their employees can function successfully without being tied to a physical building, the chance to get to know new team members is dwindling.
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” - Dr. Maya Angelou
In Fall of 2021, MedCo presented their company with a companywide survey. With 100% agreement, employees said that MedCo is a diverse place of employment. By having an active community board where employees can celebrate holidays that are special to them, we are able to stay connected while working across the country. Presenting opportunities in the office and virtual events for holidays includes everyone. MedCo’s president and founder Joe Uptain hosts a “Coffee with Joe” zoom meeting monthly to speak to team members and know what is important to them. All virtual company meetings are opened 15 to 20 minutes early to allow team members the opportunity to chat. These are just a few of the ways MedCo promotes team building and diversity.
Ways to celebrate diversity:
Potluck: Everyone has their family traditions or secret recipes. By holding a potluck, everyone in the office can bring a dish that is special to them.
Recipe Swap: Working virtually and can’t do a potluck? Try a recipe swap! Everyone can share their favorite recipe (maybe not the secret ingredients) so their coworkers can make it at home. This gives everyone working remote or in the office a chance to exchange new recipes and bond over something everyone loves, food.
Celebrate Holidays that are sometimes forgotten: There’s no secret that more and more holidays are being recognized nationally each year. Even if it is not a nationally accredited holiday, there are still people who celebrate. Get to know your coworkers and find out what holidays they celebrate. Are they an avid pet lover and celebrate every National Pet Day? Maybe there is someone from a different country who celebrates a different Independence Day.
With plenty of opportunities to learn about one another and connect, you’ll start to notice how diverse your office is! This also helps create that bond within companies that some have felt since the pandemic.
How will you celebrate diversity?
To learn more about the culture at MedCo, visit us at www.medcoservices.com