DEI and Awareness of Unconscious Bias Training
Challenge
As Essex has continued our Environmental Social Governance efforts to focus on the “Social” impact with our associates, we knew we needed to increase our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) training.
Actions
In 2020, Essex provided 2,850 hours of training focused on DEI and awareness of unconscious bias in the workplace. This training program covers the foundation of DEI, the definition and manifestation of unconscious bias, research studies, and real-world examples. All associates also have the option to create their own personalized action plan to apply their DEI learning in their own life and work. The training program was led through live interactive webinars and online self-learning modules.
Outcomes
These DEI initiatives helped bring Essex together at a whole new level with the interest, momentum, and engagement leading to additional interactive DEI training being developed for 2021.
Quote
We have found Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to be essential for team building, connecting, and uniting the Essex team to the Company’s Vision, Purpose, and Values. The awareness and momentum embedded in these programs has been a pleasant surprise and I must say, a remarkable force that I certainly underestimated in the beginning. I am incredibly proud to lead the Essex team and look forward to continuing these efforts going forward.