Daily DEI Moments

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. Did you know? *An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. *Some persons with disabilities die up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. *Persons with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity or poor oral health. * Health inequities arise from unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself. How can you recognize/celebrate? 📖1) Host a Disability Training session. The best way to ignite meaningful change in your workplace is to host a disability training session. Anyone can be affected by a disability, so it is important to ensure all employees understand the importance of accessibility to cultivate an inclusive culture. 🎙️2) Hire or Watch a disability awareness speaker whose personal experiences will resonate with your employees. These inspirational figures overcome physical and mental hurdles to thrive in their respective sectors, making for a truly empowering speech at corporate events. Example: https://lnkd.in/gSzXupD2 ♿️3) Improve Accessibility & Inclusion. In the workplace, several common hurdles can prevent disabled employees from performing at their best. From wheelchair ramps to screen readers, and braille signage to accessible toilets, it is important to cater to employees of all abilities and consider how your workplace may impact a disabled person. On this International Day of Disabled Persons, understand progress and how work place can continue to make an accessible environment for everyone in your team. Team take 5: 1) What comes to mind when you hear the word 'disability'? 2) What kinds of disability do you know of? What misunderstandings do people have about disabilities? 3) What daily problems do you think wheelchair users have in your office? 4) What kinds of discrimination do people with disabilities face? How can you work towards mitigating with your team/office/business? #internationaldisabilityday #accessibility #dei #inclusion #diversity #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities

Today’s Daily DEI moment is on emotional agility. Emotional Rigidity: This is when we are hooked by thoughts, feelings and behaviors that don’t serve us. This can be "either-or" thinking and behaviors (believing that certain emotions are either good or bad), or it can manifest in what Susan David calls "bottling" or "brooding" (when we either suppress or wallow in our emotions, respectively). But such rigidity means stuckness associated with a range of psychological ills, including anxiety and depression. Emotional Agility: Being flexible with our thoughts and feelings so that we can respond optimally to everyday situations is being agile. It accepts that we experience a full spectrum of emotions perceived as good, bad and indifferent—which is perfectly normal. Emotional agility means holding these emotions loosely and looking at them not as directives, but simply as data to help us take value-based actions. By creating space between how you feel and what you do about those feelings, you afford the opportunity to investigate, explore and discover more about yourself and the people and situations you encounter. Emotional agility gets us into a resourceful state by acknowledging our emotions, recognizing what we are feeling and understanding why. This paves the way for considering the best course of action and taking practical steps to meet a challenge or solve a problem with greater success. Emotionally agile people," according to Susan David in her book Emotional Agility, "demonstrate flexibility in dealing with our fast-changing, complex world. They are able to tolerate high levels of stress and endure setbacks while remaining engaged, open, and receptive. They understand that life isn’t always easy, but they continue to act according to their most cherished values and long-term goals." 💻Resource: https://lnkd.in/dtHUahv Team take 5: 1) What is my current emotion trying to tell me today? How are these feelings impacting you? Potentially Others? 2) What is one way you are treating yourself with kindness? 3) What are a couple of negative thoughts that you have had about yourself? How have you changed negative thoughts into a place of self compassion? #dei #selfcompassion #emotionalagility #inclusion #kindness

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on World Diabetes Day. World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” underpins the WHO’s commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes, and ensuring that all people who are diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care. In 2022, WHO Member States endorsed 5 global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030: 80% of people with diabetes are diagnosed; 80% of people with diagnosed diabetes have good control of glycaemia; 80% of people with diagnosed diabetes have good control of blood pressure; 60% of people with diabetes of 40 years or older receive statins; and 100% of people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring. Did you know the 8 Best winter foods for diabetics? 1. Sweet potatoes 🍠 Sweet potatoes are a winter favourite for diabetics, offering complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. 2. Spinach 🥬 This leafy green vegetable is packed with magnesium, iron, and fibre, which aid in regulating blood sugar and improving overall metabolic health. 3. Cinnamon ❤️ Adding a small amount of cinnamon to warm drinks or oatmeal during winter can be a simple way to manage glucose levels. It's best consumed in moderation as a natural flavour enhancer in various dishes. 4. Walnuts 🌰 Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre, walnuts are a great snack for diabetics. Their nutrient composition helps to control blood sugar by slowing digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. 5. Pumpkin 🎃 Pumpkin is a winter vegetable with a low glycemic load, meaning it doesn't cause rapid blood sugar increases. It contains antioxidants, fibre, and essential vitamins that can benefit heart health and support immune function. 6. Oats 🥣 A warming breakfast option for cold mornings, oats have a low glycemic index and are high in fibre, especially beta-glucan, which slows glucose absorption. 7. Beetroot Beetroot is a nutrient-rich winter vegetable packed with fibre and antioxidants. It helps reduce insulin resistance and promotes cardiovascular health, which is crucial for diabetics. 8. Carrots 🥕 Carrots are low in carbohydrates and packed with beta-carotene and fibre, making them suitable for diabetics. Add these foods to your diet this winter to maintain stable blood sugar levels. 💻Resource: https://lnkd.in/fw_QdAA 🎥Video: https://lnkd.in/gKTuG8AZ #dei #culturalawareness #diversity #inclusion #worlddiabetesday #culture #teamdevelopment #leadershipdevelopment

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on self- compassion. An explosion of research into self-compassion over the last decade has shown its benefits for well-being. Individuals who are more self-compassionate tend to have greater happiness, life satisfaction and motivation, better relationships and physical health, and less anxiety and depression. They also have the resilience needed to cope with stressful life events such as divorce, health crises, and academic failure, and even combat trauma. Self-compassion involves treating yourself the way you would treat a friend who is having a hard time—even if your friend blew it or is feeling inadequate, or is just facing a tough life challenge. The more complete definition involves three core elements that we bring to bear when we are in pain: self-kindness, common humanity (the recognition that everyone make mistakes and feels pain), and mindfulness. Many people fear self-compassion is really just a form of self-pity. In fact, self-compassion is an antidote to self-pity. While self-pity says “poor me,” self-compassion recognizes that life is hard for everyone. 😱Fear: Self-compassion will make us weak and vulnerable. 👉Truth: In fact, self-compassion is a reliable source of inner strength that confers courage and enhances resilience when we’re faced with difficulties. Research shows self-compassionate people are better able to cope with tough situations like divorce, trauma, or chronic pain. 😱Fear: Self-compassion is really the same as being self-indulgent. 👉Truth: It’s actually just the opposite. Compassion inclines us toward long-term health and well-being, not short-term pleasure (just as a compassionate mother doesn’t let her child eat all the ice cream she wants, but says, “eat your vegetables”). Research shows self-compassionate people engage in healthier behaviors like exercising, eating well, drinking less, and going to the doctor more regularly. 😱Fear: Self-compassion is really a form of making excuses for bad behavior. 👉truth: Actually, self-compassion provides the safety needed to admit mistakes rather than needing to blame someone else for them. Research shows self-compassionate people take greater personal responsibility for their actions and are more likely to apologize if they’ve offended someone. Resource: https://lnkd.in/gMZsqbw Try the Self- Compassion test, or practices. Team take 5: 1. Why is self-compassion important in our daily lives? 2. How do you typically treat yourself when I make a mistake or experience failure? 3. How can you prioritize self-care and self-compassion in your daily life? 4. What small acts of self-compassion can you integrate into your daily routine starting today? #dei #selfcompassion #loveyourself #mentalhealth #inclusion #culture #leadershipcoaching #teamdevelopment

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on cultural day Día de Muertos. El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not just the continuation of Halloween, despite some of the holidays’ similarities. Taking place on November 1st and November 2nd every year, the Day of the Dead is a special time of year when, according to some cultures, loved ones emerge from the afterlife to visit and reunite with their families on Earth. It’s celebrated primarily in Mexico, though other countries in Central America, Brazil, Spain and Mexican-American communities throughout. Día de los Muertos is a joyous occasion when families honor their loved ones by preparing an ofrenda, or altar, for their past beloved family members. Ofrendas are often decorated with yellow and orange marigolds (a popular Day of the Dead flower), photos of family members, foods, drinks and other personal items. Resource: https://lnkd.in/gK6FRk-9 Ideas for how to acknowledge and celebrate in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gfixYBVg Team take 5: 1. What are the holidays in your culture that honor the dead? 2. What do you hope to learn about Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead? 3. How are Día de los Muertos and Halloween similar and different? 4. How do you see movies like Disney’s Coco, Day of the Dead, Book of Life that acknowledge these traditions? #dei #culturalday #culturalawareness #diversity #inclusion #teamdevelopment #leadershipcoaching

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on mindset. Your mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. It influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. It means that what you believe about yourself impacts your success or failure. Your mindset plays a critical role in how you cope with life's challenges. What Is Your Mindset? Do you have a fixed or growth mindset? To find out, start by reading the following statements and decide which ones you agree with most: * You're born with a certain amount of intelligence and it isn't something that can be changed. *No matter who you are, there isn't much you can do to improve your basic abilities and personality. *People are capable of changing who they are. *You can learn new things and improve your intelligence. *People either have particular talents, or they don't. You can't just acquire talent for things like music, writing, art, or athletics. *Studying, working hard, and practicing new skills are all ways to develop new talents and abilities. If you tend to agree most with statements 1, 2, and 5, then you probably have a more fixed mindset. If you agree most with statements 3, and 4, 6, however, then you probably tend to have a growth mindset. Adjusting a fixed mindset: Focus on the journey. An important factor when building a growth mindset is seeing the value in your journey. When you're fixated on the end result, you miss out on all the things you could be learning along the way. Incorporate "yet." If you're struggling with a task, remind yourself that you just haven’t mastered it “yet.” Integrating this word into your vocabulary signals that despite any struggles, you can overcome anything. Pay attention to your words and thoughts. Replace negative thoughts with more positive ones to build a growth mindset. Team take 5: 1) What made you think hard today? 2) How will you challenge yourself today? 3) What is something you’ve learned today? 4) How can mindset impact our approach to DEI? #growthmindset #culture #believe #youcan #itstartswithyou #leadershipcoaching #mindset

Today’s DEI Daily Moment is a team activity- Privilege Walk. Objective: Raise awareness of various forms of privilege; understand the intersectionality of race, socioeconomic class, gender and other demographic variables that shape individuals; appreciate the diversity of individual backgrounds; and team-building. Set Tone: room is a safe space (mentally and emotionally) for empathy, learning, discussion as a team. Instructions: Everyone will stand in a horizontal line in the middle of the room. All participants will have their eyes closed until the end of the exercise. As the facilitator reads a statement or question, the participant will step forward or step back if it applies to them. Remote version: Get participated to grab piece of paper and a pen. Get them to draw a line every time one applies to them on step forward and minus sign every time for step back. At the end you can add into visual board. (Every person can have a line in whiteboard or PowerPoint and move them along the spaces) ⁉️This is a great set of questions: https://lnkd.in/e8DJmUTn 🎥Video: https://lnkd.in/gJ2UmVC5 Team take 5: 1) What are your thoughts on the exercise? 2) How does this inform who is in the room and who is not? 3) Which of the statements did you find surprising or unexpected? Why? Which of the statements made you feel uncomfortable or hurt? Why? 4) How did this exercise inform your social position and experience? 5) How does this exercise make you think differently about your own identities, daily experience, or relationships with other people? #dei #diversity #priviledgewalk #inclusion #deiactivity #culture #leadershipcoaching

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on Digital accessibility. What is Digital Accessibility? Digital accessibility refers to the design and development of digital content, applications, and services that are usable by all people, including those with disabilities. It ensures that websites, mobile apps, electronic documents, and other digital tools are accessible to individuals who may use assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, or alternative input devices. Why is Digital Accessibility Important? 🟰Equal Access: Digital accessibility promotes inclusivity by providing equal access to information and services for people with disabilities. It ensures that everyone can participate fully in the digital world. 📏Compliance: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require that state and local governments, including K-12 public schools, provide equal access to services, activities, and programs. 🦯Enhanced User Experience: Accessible design often leads to improved usability for all users, not just those with disabilities. For example, features like captions, alt text, and clear navigation can benefit everyone. Examples: 🎥 Watch on Apple - https://lnkd.in/gGjarSMq Example: For users who are blind or have low vision, Detection Mode in Magnifier offers Point and Speak, which identifies text users point toward and reads it out loud to help them interact with physical objects such as household appliances. Team take 5: 1) Why is digital accessibility important? What is the impact of making things accessible for users? 2)What are digital examples you know that support cognitive or physical disabilities? 3) Are there any ways your organization or team supports digital accessibility? If so, how and how do you get insight surrounding needs and opportunities? #dei #accessibility #digital #culture #teamdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #digitalacessibility

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is on World Food day. 🌾The world's farmers produce enough food to feed more than the global population yet, hunger persists. Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world due to repeated weather shocks, conflicts, economic downturns, inequality, and the pandemic. Over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet. Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, which now exist in most countries, cutting across socio-economic classes. 🥗Food is the third most basic human need after air and water – everyone should have the right to adequate food. Human rights such as the right to food, life and liberty, work and education are recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and two legally binding international covenants. 🌎Collective action across 150 countries worldwide, in up to 50 languages, is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, municipalities, businesses, CSOs, the media, the public, even youth. They promote worldwide awareness of hunger and promote action for the future of food, people and the planet. 👁️The first step to ending hunger is awareness. When we think about our food, who grows it, and where it comes from, we can make smarter choices as consumers. 💻 Resource: https://lnkd.in/eSgD6_iz Want ideas on how to celebrate: https://lnkd.in/dvAtqHxD Team take 5: (pick and choose) 1) If you could only buy food within a 100-mile radius, or within a 1,000-mile radius, how would it change your diet and life choices? 2) Where do you see the most food waste in your home and in your community? What strategies could help your family to waste less food? 3) When was the last time you bought something grown on a nearby farm? What dishes did you make using these ingredients? 4) Does your family grow any food, and if so, what do you grow? 5) What are some specific things we as individuals can do to help end hunger for others, locally and globally? #conversation #worldfoodday #impact #culture #community #health #healthyfood #dei #local

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is about ‘Action’. Most of us believe inclusion is both the right thing to do and good for business. Then why are we so terrible at it? If we believe in the morality and the profitability of including people of diverse and underestimated backgrounds, why don’t we do it? Because inclusion takes awareness, intention, and regular practice. Inclusion doesn’t just happen; we have to work at it. The quote ‘you can’t read about push ups- you have to do them’. Same applies for Inclusion. We can read about using inclusive language, bringing our authentic self to work, creating two-way communication, and active listening, without the application and continued effort around these skillsets, we may lose the most important point that inclusion should attach to fabric of our workplace culture and become part of our daily interactions. Team take 5: 1) Why is applied practice important in developing new skills? 2) How can inclusion become part of our daily routine, communication and ultimately culture? 3) What are you practicing right now? How are you personally applying ‘action’ to culture, to DEI? #dei #diversity #inclusion #culture #leadershipcoaching