‘Let’s Talk’ Series
Challenge
Faced with social and civil unrest, amid a global pandemic, a round of internal and external feedback on Cerner’s role regarding diversity and inclusion generated a significant volume of feedback from associates. The feedback expressed a need for discussing the civil and social movement for change and its impacts in the workplace.
Actions
As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we launched a company-wide program called ‘Let’s Talk’. The program consists of guided conversations intended to promote open dialogue and provide a forum for associates to give and share diverse perspectives on race, identity, culture, and heritage and how they impact our communities and workplace.
The program curriculum was designed by the CEO Action and leveraged the R.I.C.H. (Race, Identity, Culture, and Heritage) conversation model. There are four components of the program:
- Let’s Talk Half-day Sessions: focused on bridging, bonding and belonging in the workplace.
- Let’s Talk CEO/Executive Diversity Dialogue Sessions: Associates participated in and viewed five recorded sessions.
- Let's Talk Diversity SharePoint Site: created to provide relevant resources for ongoing enrichment after the sessions have been completed.
- Let’s Talk Executive Capstone Event: featured nationwide diversity thought leaders, authors and health professionals. The session bridged together health, well-being, diversity & inclusion and centered on how associates can move toward greater belonging through kindness in the workplace.
Outcomes
We shifted our focus beyond diversity to develop a culture of inclusion that would be embedded and expected at every level of our company in every business interaction. Over 16,600 US associates have completed a Let’s Talk session. Over 13,000 associates have viewed the resources available on the Let’s Talk SharePoint site. This program enabled associates and leaders to actively listen and create authentic opportunities for learning and understanding to foster a more inclusive culture of inclusion and belonging.
Contact
Dr. Andrea Hendricks
Quote
Delivering on Cerner’s vision of ‘a seamless and connected world where everyone thrives’ requires us to continue to foster a more inclusive work environment where associates from all backgrounds help shape the future of health care. Our ongoing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion is an important aspect of our culture, one that makes Cerner a great place to work.