In celebrating Black History Month, NorthBay Health invited a number of our Excellent Black leaders to share thoughts on a variety of topics
Today meet Desiree Chandler, Manager of Talent Acquisition, who shares her insights on the importance of diversity in the workplace and answers the question: How can our organization continue to foster an inclusive environment for everyone, especially during Black History Month?
As a Black woman and Human Resource Leader for Talent Acquisition at NorthBay Health, diversity, inclusion, and equity are deeply important to me. These values are not only fundamental to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace culture but are also essential for delivering high-quality healthcare services to our diverse patient population.
To attract diverse and underrepresented talent in healthcare, I employ a variety of recruitment techniques and strategies. I believe it's important to actively seek out partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations that serve minority populations. By engaging with these organizations, we can tap into talent pools that may not be reached through traditional recruitment methods. Additionally, by attending and participating in job fairs and networking events specifically targeted towards diverse candidates, ensuring our outreach efforts are inclusive and accessible.
Moreover, I recognize the importance of representation in our recruitment processes. I ensure that our job postings use inclusive language and imagery to attract a diverse range of candidates. I advocate for diverse interview panels to ensure that candidates from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued during the hiring process.
At NorthBay Health, our commitment to diversity extends beyond recruitment efforts. We actively invest in diversity and inclusion training for all staff members to promote awareness and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. We also provide mentorship and professional development opportunities specifically tailored to support the career advancement of underrepresented employees, including Black candidates.
In order to continue fostering an inclusive environment, especially during Black History Month, our organization can implement initiatives such as hosting educational workshops and events that celebrate Black culture and history throughout the year and providing platforms for Black employees to share their experiences and perspectives can further amplify their voices within the organization.
Based on my experiences, I can attest to the transformative impact that diversity brings to the workplace. When individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, we bring a wealth of unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences that drive innovation, creativity, and ultimately, better outcomes for both our employees and the communities we serve. Embracing diversity isn't just the right thing to do—it's essential for our continued success and growth as an organization.
