In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Sharitta Marshall delve into the financial and emotional implications of employee turnover within organisations. Sharitta, a seasoned expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, questions traditional decision-making processes and advocates for a deeper understanding of why employees leave, urging companies to focus on keeping them engaged. Joanne and Sharitta explore the tangible costs of poor employee experience and high turnover, stressing the importance of making a compelling business case for human experience, especially in a capitalist-driven world.
Sharitta Marshall, founder of Visionary Development Consulting, is dedicated to fighting for workplace equality and liberation for all. Her consultancy focuses on providing strategies for businesses to empower Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and develop equity within organisations. Sharitta's advocacy reaches beyond the boardroom; she is committed to challenging systemic inequities, addressing the often overlooked individual impacts of DEI, and fighting against late stage capitalist resistance to equity. With her experience as a global ERG leader, Sharita brings a wealth of knowledge on aligning ERG initiatives with organisational goals to drive meaningful change.
The conversation touches on the ongoing challenges and resistance faced in driving DEI efforts, with Sharita highlighting the influence of the impending US election and the broader political climate on DEI funding and initiatives. Joanne and Sharitta also delve into the concept of meritocracy, privilege, and the challenges of addressing systemic inequalities. They discuss the role of ERGs as strategic business units and the importance of executive sponsorship for ERGs, underlining the need for clear roles, responsibilities, and alignment with business objectives.
The episode concludes with a powerful message on the interconnectedness of societal issues and the necessity of shifting towards understanding collective global impact. Joanne encourages listeners to subscribe to Inclusion Bites, share their journeys, and reach out with thoughts and stories for future episodes.
A key takeaway from this episode is the pressing need for organisations to prioritise DEI initiatives and understand their cost implications, not just financially but also in terms of human experience. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effectively engaging employees, addressing systemic inequalities, and leveraging ERGs to drive business success and foster an inclusive workplace culture. This episode is a call to action for leaders to re-evaluate their DEI strategies, ensuring they are meaningful and impactful.
