Recruiting practices, work/life balance, and more mentoring programs were some of the top issues brought up by employees who attended one of six diversity and inclusion focus groups last month. The goal of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative is to foster a diverse workforce—in experience, perspective and background—and culture of inclusion in order to attract and engage the brightest minds and further the Lab’s record of scientific excellence and groundbreaking innovation.
The focus groups, led by Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer Vera Potapenko and Physics Division Director Natalie Roe, co-leads of the Initiative, generated important feedback that both validated the broad strategies of the Initiative and will help prioritize the concerns. The sessions were held at the Joint Genome Institute, the Joint BioEnergy Institute, and Potter Street as well as at three locations on the main Lab site.
The five strategies can be found at the new Diversity & Inclusion website. Some of the other top concerns and suggestions brought up at the focus groups were around dual-career couples, social activities to enhance inclusiveness, and promoting from within. Suggestions for the initiative are always welcome and can be submitted at the website.
