How Maine small businesses can boost DEI efforts
Tae Chong delivers useful advice for small businesses on DEI in a short video that premiered at the Mainebiz 2021 Small Business Forum and is now available for public viewing.
What can small businesses do to boost their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts amid Maine's ongoing labor shortage?
Tae Chong, a Portland-based consultant who serves as director of multicultural markets and strategies for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, shared some thoughts in a brief video presentation for last week's Mainebiz Small Business Forum.
Among Chong's recommendations to all small businesses for increasing DEI: "They should do what they do best — provide the best individual customer service to their employees by asking them individually what they need to to feel supported, welcomed, and valued, and lift and elevate those who are most vulnerable among us. This is the definition of diversity, equity and inclusion."
Reflecting on lessons from the pandemic, Chong said the experience taught employers the basics of DEI work in terms of listening to experts on unfamiliar subjects, creating flexible work schedules and investing in communication.
"Getting the work done took a back seat to ensuring our employees were safe, valued and supported," he said, adding that "these difficult investments are paying off."
He wrapped up his presentation with a handful of practical tips, suggesting that employers who are recruiting connect with racial and cultural leaders to build relationships with people of color.
Chong also advised that when hiring people of different cultures, employers should show them they are adapting to the needs of the employees.
Watch Chong's short video presentation here; it runs less than 8 minutes.
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