Over the last several weeks, the conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion have grown, and many of you have expressed interest in wanting to learn more about what Essex will be doing to support these initiatives. This topic is more relevant today than perhaps ever before, however, we are proud to tell you that our commitment to developing a plan to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace started long before now.
 
Last summer, we created a Diversity and Inclusion Committee that is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the activities and practices that promote diversity, equal opportunity, and fair treatment for employees of Essex.
 
WHAT’S TO COME
 
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND UNCONSCIOUS BIAS TRAINING

Over the next few months, all associates will have the opportunity to sign up for five sessions of recommended diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias training courses. Once these courses are released, they will be assigned to you in Learning Bridge and will available for you to take at your own pace. People leaders will be assigned one live training course that will be an interactive, hosted session.

July 21 – August 13, 2020 | Live Training for People Leaders
For all leaders with direct reports, we will be hosting an hour-long live virtual webinar to take a deep dive into unconscious bias, how it manifests, and specific types of biases that can show up in the workplace. Once this training is available, you will receive an email asking you to sign up for one of seven available sessions over the three-week period, so you can select a date and time that best fits your schedule.
 
August 17, 2020 | Session One
We'll cover some of the foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion (also known as DEI). We'll talk about unconscious bias and how it might present itself and cover key topics such as intersectionality and social identity groups.

August 24, 2020 | Session Two (for non people-leaders)
We'll take a deep dive into unconscious bias. We'll talk about what it is and how it manifests. We'll also talk about specific types of biases that can show up in the workplace. This session is similar to the live training for people leaders available July 21 - August 13. 

August 31, 2020 | Session Three
We’ll review a few research studies that show how unconscious bias manifests in the workplace and beyond.
 
September 7, 2020 | Session Four
We'll provide some more real-world examples by talking with people who have experienced unconscious bias firsthand. We'll also invite you to join the conversation and share any experiences that you may have had.
 
September 14, 2020 | Session Five
We'll invite you to create a personalized action plan where you can reflect on everything that you've learned over the previous four modules and apply that learning to your own life and work, whether it's the next day, the next month, or the next year after you've completed this course.
 
 
AFFINITY GROUPS
These are employee-led groups that will be open to all associates to build community and provide support. Our first group will be Women at Essex and future groups will be established based on the request and feedback of associates. Events and panel discussions will begin later this summer.
 

AND, MORE!
Additional components of our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives will include:

• Diversity and Inclusion Discussions
• Awareness Campaigns
• Increased Diversity and Inclusion integration into the talent process

 
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
As we continue to implement our diversity and inclusion programs, the committee will need the help of all associates to foster a diverse and inclusive environment throughout Essex.
 
If you have questions or feedback, or if you would like to participate in future Diversity & Inclusion opportunities, please email DiversityAndInclusion@essex.com.