Building a culture of inclusion and belonging involves top-down leadership and grassroots efforts. In HRchat episode 635, I talk with Tara Ataya, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite about ways people leaders can better collaborate with senior leadership to integrate DEI principles into the overall organizational strategy, while empowering employees at all levels to contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
Tara joined Hootsuite in 2020 as VP People, and was announced as Hootsuite’s first Chief People and Diversity Officer later the same year. She leads Hootsuite’s employee experience and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives across the organization globally.
Questions for Tara include:
- Can you describe a specific initiative or program you’ve implemented at Hootsuite to foster a sense of belonging among employees? What were the key components of its success, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
- Is the rise of AI good or bad for DEI?
- In a diverse workforce, individuals may come from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities. How do you ensure that your initiatives address the unique needs and perspectives of all employees, and how do you measure their impact on different groups within the organization?
- Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging involves both top-down leadership and grassroots efforts. How do you collaborate with senior leadership to integrate diversity and inclusion principles into the overall organizational strategy, while also empowering employees at all levels to contribute to a more inclusive workplace? How do you prove it out?
- Based on your experience and successes, what actionable advice would you give to organizations that are just starting or looking to improve their initiatives for fostering a sense of belonging? Are there any best practices or pitfalls to avoid that you could share?
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