Talking Boldly About Race in the Workplace
Challenge
Being an Upstander for racial diversity was the most challenging and uncomfortable for many of our employees.
Actions
Weil requires all full-time US administrative/professional staff and attorne ys to complete an annual 2-hour mandatory diversity training.
After piloting and soliciting feedback from attorneys and administrative staff at all levels, Weil and The Verna Myers Consulting Group developed the 2017 Mandatory Diversity Program, "Talking Boldly About Race: Being an Upstander in a Time of Cultural Unrest."
To supplement the training, Firm leaders of color including a partner, the Chief Talent Officer, and the Direct or of Human Resources filmed a video modeling how to comfortably "Talk Boldly About Race". The video , along with a number of "Talking Boldly" resources and reference material, is featured on Weil's intranet site.
Outcomes
To date, this program has been offered in every US regional office. By 2018, each US administrative/ professional staff and attorney ¼ill have received the training. Evaluations on the program have been overall strong across level and demographic, and the training has opened the dialogue for conversations about race at work.
Contact
Meredith Moore
Quote
Weil has always been committed to diversity and inclusion, dating back to when the Firm was established in 1931, and we are proud to be a leader and pioneer in this space. This commitment and marketplace leadership can be seen through the various programs and initiatives the Firm has launched, including int roducing a formal workplace diversity policy in 1992, as well as one of our more recent initiatives - Upstander@Weil, which was launched in 2015. This program provides a new framework to build upon a legacy of "allyship" by explicitly communicating that all employees have a part to play in creating an environment of inclusion and mutual respect at the Firm. Now, more than ever, it's important to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and our communities, and we are committed to doing just that.