WHAT IS DEI — Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion ? Webster ’ s Dictionary defines each of these words individually as follows :
• Diversity - the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety
• Equity - fairness or justice in the way people are treated
• Inclusion - the act of including : the state of being included
If you look at each of these words separately , the definitions seem relatively simple to understand , but when you string them together , they take on greater significance and new meaning .
In June , A . I . M . Mutual ’ s senior leadership team was tasked with creating a DEI Committee to better understand what DEI means in the workplace . As an organization , A . I . M . Mutual has always supported the values of DEI in all its business practices . Reaching out to employees was an important next step to encourage the exchange of ideas and underscore the company ’ s level of commitment .
A request for volunteers at A . I . M . Mutual for the DEI Committee was met by a compelling response with 11 % of employees coming forward . During the first meeting , Committee members had the opportunity to share their “ why ” for volunteering to be a part of this initiative . Here are some of their responses :
• I wanted to learn more about what DEI is all about .
• I wanted to connect with other employees within the organization that I normally don ’ t have a chance to work with directly .
• I worked on a DEI initiative in college . It was a great experience , and I feel I have something to offer .
• I wanted to be a part of something bigger .
Several meetings have since taken place . One of the main topics of discussion during the meetings to date has been education , both for the Committee and for all employees . There is no shortage of organizations that can provide training and education on this topic , and the Committee plans to interview a few to find the best fit . Education and awareness are key before taking the next step . The Committee intends to establish goals and objectives to create a DEI statement in the coming months .
DIVERSITY - THE CONDITION OF HAVING OR BEING COMPOSED OF DIFFERING ELEMENTS : VARIETY
EQUITY - FAIRNESS OR JUSTICE IN THE WAY PEOPLE ARE TREATED
INCLUSION - THE ACT OF INCLUDING : THE STATE OF BEING INCLUDED
TERI BOWMAN
TERI BOWMAN , SHRM-SCP , is Director of Human Resources at A . I . M . Mutual . Teri has 15 years of human resources experience , including recruitment , employee relations , performance management , training , compensation , 401 ( k ) and benefits administration , workers ’ compensation , and areas of compliance . As Director , she is also responsible for the payroll function . Prior to assuming an HR and management role , she was a workers ’ compensation adjuster for A . I . M . Mutual for four years . She has an AOS in Accounting and holds two human resources certifications in addition to her Senior Certified Professional ( SCP ) designation from the Society of Human Resources Management ( SHRM ).
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