In October, we were in the room when 105 CEOs and c-suite leaders from 57 organizations in the Lehigh Valley showed up to engage in conversations about how to advance equity and belonging where they work. We were in the room when they got out pen and paper, reflected on discussion prompts, and stood up to share their own experiences and practices with others. We were in the room when a CEO told one of his top leaders, “See those strategies – we need to do #1, #3, and #5. Let’s develop a plan for that.”
It was an action-packed day with great speakers, facilitators, and a bit of networking and fun. As feedback showed, the Summit wasn’t all talk. It was compelling folks to take action on what they learned.
I shared in my opening remarks that quality of life is the top driver of why talent moves to a new area. And that our workforce today is not only looking for a job they love, instead they want a job that allows them to enjoy where they live.
This is the heart of LINC’s work in the community – to make people feel welcome and a sense of belonging where they live. But our mission is incomplete without fostering belonging where they live and work.
People who feel a sense of belonging at work are five times more likely to be engaged employees.
Engaged employees stay at organizations longer. They contribute to organizational stability.
Even better – engaged employees are our next generation of leaders.
I’m thankful for the leaders who showed up to the Inclusion Summit. And I’m excited LINC is planning a variety of opportunities next year for leaders at all levels of organization to deepen their understanding, further build their skills, and share best practices. After all, in nurturing a culture of inclusion at work where everyone belongs – we are ensuring that our organizations and our regional economy can continue to grow and thrive.
If you are interested in learning how to take advantage of the resources and connections LINC can offer, please email us at dei@linc-lv.com. We are here to help you get to the next step in your DEI journey.
Onward!
