Best Practices for Maintaining Diverse Laboratories

Abstract

Civil rights laws have been enacted and updated for over a half century to protect workers of diverse groups. However, rather than relying on laws to force employers and academic leaders to choose fairness, workplaces can take steps to proactively encourage diversity and thereby increase workplace satisfaction and productivity. They can begin by clearly outlining in company handbooks the plan to enforce laws that establish and maintain inclusivity. Universities and employers can take further steps to instill a positive environment by including all employees and students when recognizing holidays and important commemorative occasions. Employers and academic institutions can organize or encourage participation in celebratory walks or runs and it can recommend or require diversity training by its employees or students. Health care facilities, above all, should lead efforts to support diversity in the workplace since health is about humanity as a whole and not about select groups. There are numerous organizations, websites, events, and other ideas that can help universities and employers seeking to better understand diverse populations and to encourage understanding among students and employees. ABBREVIATIONS: CE - Continuing education, NEA - National Education Association