Tri-County Business Leaders Think Workplace Diversity is Good Business
A NEWS RELEASE FROM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2011
Contact: Jeff Padden
Public Policy Associates
517-485-4477
Tri-County Business Leaders Think Workplace Diversity is Good Business
EPIC/MRA Poll Shows that 64 Percent of Area Employers Feel Diversity Policies Have a Positive Impact on Success. Survey Among Topics at Workplace Diversity Conference on August 25
A recent EPIC/MRA survey of 300 workers and 300 employers in the tri-county region shows that a strong majority recognize the link between workplace diversity and the bottom line success of the organization. The results of the EPIC/MRA poll will be among the topics discussed when regional business leaders come together for the 2011 Employer Conference on Diversity, which is scheduled as follows:
2011 Employer Conference on Workplace Diversity
Thursday, August 25
Lansing Center
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Tickets ($55) include lunch, register here.
The conference will commence with a welcome address by Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, followed by several insightful presentations and panel discussions featuring regional business leaders at the forefront of the workplace diversity issues, including:
- Diversity is the Social Network of Innovation: Dr. Steve L. Robbins of S.L. Robbins & Associates will open the conference by offering a global perspective on the value of workplace diversity and its ability to inspire innovation that drives business success in today’s economy.
- The Diversity Report: A report from EPIC/MRA will document the 2011 state of workplace diversity in mid-Michigan. The report is based on surveys of employers and employees on diversity practices at work.
- CEO Perspective: A panel of the region’s leading executives will discuss their successes and challenges in building diversity into their workforce and tapping into the benefits and ideas that result.
- The Power of Diversity at BWL: Peter Lark, General Manager of the Lansing Board of Water and Light, will share the journey that BWL is taking to build awareness and understanding of the value of diversity across its workforce.
Specific times for each presentation at the conference can be found here.
EPIC/MRA completed interviews with 300 workers and 300 employers in the tri-county region regarding issues of workplace diversity and its effect on companies. The survey touched on diversity by race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical or mental abilities.
- Respondents approximated the racial makeup of the region: 88 percent of workers and employers were white.
- 39 percent of employers and 55 percent of workers said their organizations have written policies on diversity in hiring and other business operations. This may be because, as a group, the employers who responded represented smaller companies than did the workers.
- 64percent of employers think that diversity policies have a positive impact on the success of an organization.
- 46percent of employers and 55percent of workers believe that workforce diversity has a positive impact on the company’s bottom line; only 2percent of employers and 5percent of workers thought the impact was negative.
- 44percent of employers and 56percent of workers reported that their organizations offer opportunities for women and minorities to participate in mentoring programs.
The 2011 Employer Conference on Workplace Diversity is co-sponsored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Public Policy Associates.
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the tri-county region, serving a business population of more than 14,000 companies. LRCC is dedicated to making business in the region more profitable by providing programs that create new customers, enhance member visibility and create a prosperous economic environment. LRCC members rely on four key areas to help them succeed: Business Advocacy, Business Expansion, Business Savings & Business Exposure.
Public Policy Associates helps clients make better decisions and create better public policy. For 20 years, their customized research has given clients new and deeper understanding to evaluate, change, or enhance programs and policies. Government agencies, private firms, nonprofits, and foundations count on Public Policy Associates for guidance in achieving their public policy goals through innovative research and high-level strategic consultation.
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