Reflecting on DEI in 2023 and Predictions for 2024

In today’s DEI in 5:

• 5 Harmful Workplace Habits To Leave Behind In 2023

• Gen Z is breaking the cycle of generational trauma in the workplace

• Ways To Create A Supportive Workspace For Team Well-Being And Success

• Training The BlackGPT: Latimer Gains Exclusive Access To Historic Black Newspaper Archive

• Andre Braugher’s death highlights high risk of lung cancer in Black men

Read time: 3 minutes

Btw, are you hiring? I have a LOT of people in my network who are in search of new roles. Everything from sales, project management, operations,

5 Harmful Workplace Habits To Leave Behind In 2023

Summary: As the year draws to a close, professionals are encouraged to abandon detrimental workplace habits that may hinder their personal and career growth.

The Details:

• People-Pleasing: Prioritizing others' expectations over one's boundaries can damage workplace reputation and self-esteem, leading to a loss of genuine self-representation.

• Saying 'Yes' Too Often: Habitually agreeing to extra work can lead to burnout and resentment, affecting personal well-being and team dynamics.

• Workplace Gossip: Engaging in gossip can erode trust and damage professional relationships, with potential career-ending consequences.

• Overworking: Contrary to the glorification of the "grind" culture, excessive work hours can lead to severe health issues and diminished work quality.

• Tolerating Poor Leadership: Enduring negative behavior from superiors without addressing it can perpetuate a toxic work environment and undermine one’s self-worth.

Why is this relevant: Identifying and breaking free from these harmful habits is vital for creating a healthier, more productive workplace environment. As individuals work towards better work practices, they contribute to a culture that values well-being, open communication, and mutual respect—essential components for personal satisfaction and collective success in the professional realm.

Gen Z is breaking the cycle of generational trauma in the workplace.

Summary: Generation Z, the demographic born between 1996 and 2010, is poised to bring transformative changes to workplace leadership by addressing and breaking patterns of generational trauma.

The Details:

• A New Workforce: Gen Z is distinguished from prior generations by their unique perspectives and approaches to work and life.

• Transforming Leadership: This generation has the potential to reshape leadership dynamics, moving away from the fear-based models of the past.

• Mental Health Awareness: With a strong awareness of mental health, Gen Zers are less tolerant of toxic workplace environments and prioritize psychological safety.

• Need for Support: Gen Z can drive positive change in leadership but will need the support and understanding of other generations to fully realize this potential.

Why is this relevant: Gen Z's entry into the workforce brings fresh challenges and opportunities. Their commitment to mental health and intolerance for toxic work cultures can catalyze a shift towards more empathetic, trauma-informed leadership. Supporting their development and integration into the workforce is critical for fostering a healthy, productive future for all workers, potentially breaking cycles of trauma that have long affected workplace dynamics.

Ways To Create A Supportive Workspace For Team Well-Being And Success

Summary: Creating a workspace conducive to employee well-being is essential for both personal health and professional success.

The Details:

• Ergonomic Workspace Design: Implementing ergonomic furniture and equipment is crucial for preventing workplace-related pain and demonstrating a commitment to the team's physical health.

• Biophilic Design: Incorporating nature into the workspace, such as indoor plants and natural light, can reduce stress and improve mood, fostering a more serene work environment.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offering EAPs provides confidential support for personal and professional issues, contributing to a supportive culture that prioritizes mental health.

• Mindfulness Areas: Designating spaces for relaxation and mindfulness allows employees to recharge, promoting mental well-being and productivity.

• Innovative Wellness Options: Introducing options like red light therapy can provide employees with modern tools for physical well-being and recovery.

• Team Building Activities: Engaging in team-building exercises enhances camaraderie and resilience, creating a positive and interconnected work culture.

Why is this relevant: By incorporating these strategies, leaders can forge a supportive workplace that emphasizes holistic health, which is vital for fostering a nurturing environment. Such a focus on well-being is integral to shaping an organizational culture where success is intertwined with the health and happiness of its employees, ultimately driving productivity and satisfaction.

• Training The BlackGPT: Latimer Gains Exclusive Access To Historic Black Newspaper Archive [POC in Tech]

• Andre Braugher’s death highlights high risk of lung cancer in Black men [NBC News]

• Recent Data Shows That Black Applicants Are More Likely To Be Ghosted By Recruiters Than Whites [Congressional Black Caucus]

• This is what political division looks like in the U.S. right now [PBS]

• What will shape DEI trends in 2024? Above all, Gen Z [Cancer Research UK]