Diversity, equity and inclusion: organizational strategies during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 3 September 2021
Issue publication date: 4 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented health, economic and social ramifications. Cumulative stressors for healthcare organizations during the pandemic have an impact on the morale of the workforce. The impact of magnified health disparities with ongoing disproportionate loss of lives of people of color combined with the racial injustices has left many colleagues and communities traumatized and seeking solutions. This is a moment in time for organizations to lean into the strengths of their diversity leadership to strengthen a culture of inclusion and build resilience for their employees.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use an organizational case study to describe the initiatives and experiences related to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging at an academic health center during the initial epicenter of the pandemic.
Findings
The authors weekly community building virtual cafes, leveraging funding for diversity initiatives and visible ways to showcase the work of colleagues have been feasible, sustainable and had positive outcomes. Similar processes may assist other institutions and organizations seeking to enhance efforts for inclusion while distancing.
Research limitations/implications
Strategies described are generalizable but the authors report on one organization's experience.
Originality/value
Intentional strategies that help build a deeper sense of community are essential for institutions during the disruption of pandemic related physical distancing. Inclusive decisions anchored in equity and inclusion as core institutional values will be essential to sustain resilience as the authors seek to build the new “equitable” normal.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Tynisha Coleman, Denisse Caban-Santiago, Adrienne Ettinger.
All the authors have no financial disclosures.
Citation
Lamba, S., Omary, M.B. and Strom, B.L. (2022), "Diversity, equity and inclusion: organizational strategies during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 256-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-05-2021-0197
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited