MLT Black Equity at Work Certification
Challenge
Although we have been taking significant action to increase diversity at Harvard Business Publishing, we recognize that we still have a long way to go to achieve our goal of equitable representation within the company and through our offerings so that other organizations are empowered to do the same. We needed to find a disciplined way to prioritize Black equity and facilitate progress.
Actions
To ensure that we are making real progress and holding ourselves accountable on racial diversity and representation and equitable racially just business practices, we committed to Management Leadership for Tomorrow's (MLT) Black Equity at Work Certification. The first of its kind, this certification establishes a clear and comprehensive standard for employers and provides the necessary roadmap for taking a rigorous, results-oriented approach toward achieving Black equity internally and driving Black equity in society.
In late Summer 2021, we began the certification process by submitting data to identify our baseline score. After receiving our score, we spent time developing a three-year plan consisting of indicators aimed at driving both employee and organizational impact, and community and ecosystem impact. Given the rigor of the certification, we spent several months adjusting our plan prior to submitting it for official plan review.
Over the course of this next year, we will act on the identified activities which include increasing Black representation, ensuring compensation equity, an inclusive work environment, ensuring equitable business practices, and making racial justice contributions and investments. Progress against goals in this first year will inform future iterations of the plan.
To promote our commitment to the certification and encourage others to make the same commitment to advancing Black equity in the workplace, we actively participated in the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) public-facing 'All In' campaign.
In addition to engaging with MLT on the certification, we are partnering with them to source Black students for our summer internship program with the goal of hiring them into regular, early-career positions post-graduation to increase racial diversity at Harvard Business Publishing.
Outcomes
While we only in the early stages of this process, we are confident that the rigor and accountability of the certification will enable us to make significant change.
Contact
Ellen Bailey / Lauren Palmer
As a woman of color and an HR professional, I want to be a part of an organization that truly understand how diversity in the workplace enhances the employee experience and empirically improves organizational performance. Our differences, along all dimensions, are to be celebrated. We are fully committed to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion; to that end, we will ensure that our people systems embrace each team member so they can fully participate in and contribute to the vibrancy of our community, both inside and outside of HBP.