A diverse workforce benefits the organization and the community, but it can be challenging to achieve. OR Manager recently spoke with experts from leadership, human resources, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) to gain insights into how nurse leaders can build a diverse workforce.

Part 2 addresses how to overcome challenges to building—and sustaining—a diverse workforce, including resistance, recruitment, onboarding, and sustainability.

Managing Resistance

Resistance occurs with any change, and DEI efforts are no exception. Stefanie Johnson, PhD, author of the book, Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams, says that one way to reduce resistance is to involve the majority group in efforts to create diversity.

Her research shows that failure to do so can create backlash from those who feel it is “not about me” or left out of the process. “If you’re going to do this [create a diverse workforce] well, you can’t alienate white men in your organization in order to empower women and people of color,” says Johnson, academic director of the center for leadership for Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Think what inclusion means; it means everyone.” Engaging majority group members will bolster opportunities for success.

Read entire OR Manager article here