Latino and Hispanic Americans contribute significantly to the culture and contributions of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It also commemorates their journeys. As Vice Media Group’s chief people officer, Daisy Auger-Dominguez has worked on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives for a long time. Her book, Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace, presents the lessons she learned along the way.
She said, “I thought there was a special connection to honoring both my heritage and where I come from and what made it possible for me to be where I am.” Here are a few tips Auger-Dominguez says can make your office more inclusive.
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Work With Your Authentic Self
The Latina community is the second largest group of workers in the U.S., behind non-Hispanic whites. However, these 12 million women and other marginalized and underrepresented groups struggle to bring their authentic selves to work.
She said, “Authenticity is a tricky little thing. Let’s be clear. It’s much easier to be authentic when everybody looks like you.”
Return To The Office With A Clear Head
48.7 percent of employees showed up in person in September, the highest percentage since the pandemic began. Before reintegrating workers, Auger-Dominguez recommends asking managers a few questions
I’m open to creativity.” she said, “it’s also important to examine if what’s being offered is fair for everyone. But you can’t run different parts of your team differently without thinking about fairness and equity.”
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Diversity Fatigue Is A Real Problem
With a lifetime commitment to diversity, Auger-Domínguez knows the uphill battle with the job. She said, “You will always have resistance. You will always have pushback. This work is not just because you care. This work requires skill. It requires competency. It requires courage.”
It’s Okay To Be Mediocre Sometimes
Auger-Dominguez says taking time off is essential to fighting for equality. “I’ve started saying, ‘Well, today I’m going just to be mediocre,” she explains. “Because even at my mediocre, I get everything done. But I am not pushing myself to go 120%. I’m just trying to do 80%, maybe today.