A Journey Towards Racial Equality: Advancing Together Three Years After George Floyd's Murder

It's been three years since the tragic murder of George Floyd, a moment that shook the world and ignited a global outcry against racial injustice. Initially, businesses made commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but progress has hit a roadblock. Clearly, there's still a long way to go in achieving racial equality. This article delves into the need for improvement and presents four actionable steps that organizations can take to promote racial equity.

The Impact of George Floyd's Murder..

The heart-wrenching video capturing George Floyd's death at the hands of white police officers had a profound impact worldwide. It served as a stark reminder of the daily persecution faced by Black individuals. This event spurred millions to join in marches, express solidarity online, and topple monuments honoring colonial figures, echoing the demand for racial justice across continents.

The Stalled Progress of DEI Commitments..

While the initial response to George Floyd's murder witnessed a surge in DEI commitments, subsequent months revealed a slowdown in action. A survey by Accenture disclosed that over half of Black employees and employees of color stated that their organisations either took no action or failed to communicate efforts addressing the issue. Recent developments also point to a reduction in DEI leadership positions, raising concerns about performative actions and a lack of sustained dedication.

Persistent Disparities in Racial Equity..

Significant disparities persist in pay and workplace advancement, hindering progress towards racial equality. The Living Wage Foundation discovered that a substantial percentage of Black Londoners earn less than the living wage, while their white counterparts face a lower proportion. The pay gap for Black workers has widened in major UK banks, and representation in top management roles remains disappointingly low. These challenges emphasise the urgent need for meaningful change.

Addressing the Lack of Progress..

Understanding the reasons behind the lack of progress is crucial. The article in Raconteur emphasises the absence of organisational accountability and the superficiality of short-term initiatives. Organisations must identify and acknowledge specific issues they aim to tackle, ensuring long-term, targeted interventions that foster sustainable change. Accountability, regular training, corporate goals, and inclusive recruitment practices stand as key areas to focus on.

Four Actions to Improve Racial Equity:

To come closer to achieving racial equity, organisations must commit to specific actions:

1. Measure and report ethnicity pay gaps, followed by implementing comprehensive strategies and targeted actions.
2. Foster awareness and active allyship by implementing regular and ongoing anti-racism and bias training for all employees.
3. Strengthen corporate accountability by linking DEI goals to leadership incentives and bonuses.
4. Challenge biases and ensure fair access to opportunities for all candidates by aligning recruitment practices with DEI goals.

In conclusion..

The murder of George Floyd served as a catalyst for change, but sustained effort is necessary to address systemic racism in the workplace. Organisations must embrace the discomfort of this work and commit to building equitable environments. The time has come to decide whether to be part of the solution or remain complacent. Together, we can create a brighter future of inclusivity and equality.

Published May 25, 2023 on Raconteur (requires sign-up but this is free!)