LINC

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A THOUGHT LEADER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FOR ALL LEHIGH VALLEY EMPLOYERS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been LINC’s cornerstone since its conception. The organization was born out of two major concerns expressed by local business leaders:

  • The need to help attract and retain diverse candidates to the Lehigh Valley
  • The need to build a more inclusive environment in their workplaces in order to gain and sustain a competitive advantage

Changing workforce demographics, the pace of technological change, and globalization have all increased the pace of competition and the need for innovation; these forces have also accelerated the need for businesses to engage in proactive strategies to address diversity and inclusion to maintain economic vitality in their companies and our community.

Countless studies showcase the business benefits that stem from a diverse and inclusive workforce. A recent McKinsey study, for example, found that:

Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are
15%
more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.

Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are
35%
more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.

Meanwhile, companies in the bottom quartile both for gender and ethnicity/race are statistically less likely to achieve above-average financial returns than the average companies in the data set. These companies are not just failing to lead – they are lagging behind.

The Solution for Inclusion is a Regional Approach

As a product of our mission and growth, LINC now leads a collaborative regional effort to promote diversity and inclusion that begins with the Lehigh Valley workforce. Creating an inclusive environment happens both within the walls of corporate culture as well as within the community. LINC is the central hub bringing the region together. What you can expect from LINC Diversity & Inclusion programming:

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Roundtables: where employers and leaders of internal corporate/organizational diversity and inclusion initiatives share best practices and look at common issues and how to best address them
  • Workforce Roundtables: this once a year event asks questions surrounding challenges in attracting and retaining diverse talent
  • CEO Action: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion efforts start at the top. We work with companies and organizations to facilitate necessary discussions and implement the right tools to collectively and individually create a strong, inclusive workforce.
  • As this portion of LINC grows, stay tuned for other resources and tools to make the Lehigh Valley a truly inclusive region to work, live, and play in.

Join LINC’s DEI Community to get access to resources that will help you and your organization develop and implement strategies and practices to create a more inclusive workplace.