As it marks its 75th anniversary, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has continuously sought to drive change in diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.
SHRM has long offered resources to enhance workplace DE&I, published articles highlighting its importance and even testified before Congress in support of legislation that promotes DE&I at work.
In 2020, SHRM leadership decided to do more after an online video showed the killing of a Black man named George Floyd in Minneapolis. The viral incident greatly affected millions nationwide—including SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP.
"The death of George Floyd was a stark reminder that racism is still part of daily life for many," Taylor said. "And like every social issue, it can manifest itself in the workplace."
More than 40 percent of Black workers in the US said they experienced unfair treatment at work due to their race or ethnicity in the past five years, according to a 2021 survey by SHRM. Further research indicates that other groups—including women, LGBTQ people and religious employees—also face unfair treatment.
"SHRM took a very thoughtful approach in the aftermath of George Floyd's death," said Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, manager of talent acquisition and inclusion at SHRM. "[It] focused on providing research-based, actionable resources that allowed HR professionals to emerge as leaders during a challenging time and continue to guide their...
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