TBN #34
What We Can Learn from Honda
After recovering from a severe sinus cold, I was ready to take on the world this week. To my surprise, the outdoors is not ready for me or any of us. However, I am choosing to focus on all the goodness this month has provided (sans the air quality situation) like Pride celebrations, Juneteenth, and Black Music Month. This week I’m sharing how to be inclusive of Eid in the workplace, what strides Honda is taking, and a few news articles that are too good not to share.
Let’s get into it…
WEEKLY UPDATE
CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
DEI Legislation Tracker via Chronicle of Higher Ed
"Where DEI Efforts Are Ambitious, Well Funded, and Taking Fire From All Sides"
Eid al-Adha (June 28-29)
June is Pride Month, Black Music Month, National Caribbean American Heritage Month and Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
BENTON’S BASICS: SUPPORTING EID AL-ADHA IN THE WORKPLACE
Long story short…
Eid is taking place this week. Here are a few basics to be more inclusive of Muslim colleagues celebrating Eid al-Adha:
Get educated. Ensure staff who supervise or work alongside Muslim colleagues are aware of Eid al-Adha and how they can be supportive.
Intentional planning. Avoid booking meetings and scheduling events during Eid al-Adha if possible.
Be flexible. Since the exact date of Eid al-Adha may differ from one Muslim community to another, please be mindful and work to accommodate an employee who wishes to take the day(s) off to celebrate. If shift work is the norm, staff may want to swap shifts to observe Eid al-Adha or associated events. Look for solutions that suit all parties.
Be thoughtful. You can wish your Muslim colleagues “Eid Mubarak” (EED moo-BAH-ruck) or "Eid Seed" (EED SAY-eed) 4 as way to celebrate the day with them.
Don’t make assumptions. For personal reasons, not all Muslim colleagues may take time off for Eid al-Adha, but they may still observe in various ways.
Source: University of Toronto.
STUDY HALL: HONDA IS MAKING STRIDES
Before you ask, I am not trying to sell you a Honda. However, Honda is one of the many companies that shares their diversity report publicly. Based on the report, it looks like the company is making strides. Here are some of their key accomplishments:
Expanded dealer diversity with the addition of eight ethnic minority-owned dealerships and two women-owned dealerships, accounting for the highest net increase in the past 21 years
Improved ethnic and gender diversity among Honda associates; up 2% year-over-year for total workforce and up 3% for management positions
Increased spending with diverse suppliers and U.S. philanthropic partners
Pledged $1 million to support each of the following organizations: Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National Urban League, and Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
Introduced the new global Honda Human Rights Policy
Signed the Human Rights Campaign's letter urging U.S. senators to pass the Respect for Marriage Act
HOMEWORK: THE PERFECT FIND
What I’m Watching 📺: The Perfect Find on Netflix. This is a film adaptation of Tia Williams’ book.
What I’m Listening To 🎧: Brandee Younger: Tiny Desk Concert.
What I (You) Need Now: LEVOIT Air Purifier.
What I’m Reading This Month 📚: The Color of Emotional Intelligence: Elevating Our Self and Social Awareness to Address Inequities by Farah Harris.
DANCE BREAK: WHAT YOU WANNA TRY
To close out Black Music Month, I am sharing a song from one of my favorite artists, Masego. Listen to the song.
Listen to the full TBN playlist.
DOUBLE TAP: WHO I’M FOLLOWING
Schuyler Bailar is an internationally-celebrated inspirational speaker, author, and advocate for trans inclusion, radical body acceptance, and mental health awareness. He is also the 1st trans D1 NCAA men’s athlete.
I’d love to hear from you!
What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.
