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Embrace Workplace Diversity

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

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America is the cultural melting pot of the world. Our workplaces, however, do not tend to reflect that variety in cultural traditions, customs and norms. Workplace diversity exists when companies hire employees from various backgrounds and experiences. However, is it enough to call your workplace diverse if you do not celebrate and empower the differences within?

We claim diversity in the workplace is important to us as employers, but do we practice what we preach? In 2014, a Deloitte report looked at key HR trends and identified diversity/inclusion as one of the consistently least important issues on leaders’ minds when compared to other HR matters. Similarly, a SHRM report confirmed that among the Fortune 1000, one-fifth of respondents said their organizations have informal diversity efforts with no structure.

Encourage and Celebrate Workplace Diversity with These Four Tips:

Diversity has a lot to offer your organization. People with diverse experiences think differently than one another. It brings a wide range of ideas to the table, helping to tackle problems creatively and drive innovation. However, diversity also brings in different values and beliefs. It is important to both recognize and respect these differences within your organization.

Training:

Do your employees know the importance of diversity in the workplace? Offer programming to educate employees on their cultural awareness, knowledge and communication. Share messages that promote inclusion and better teamwork. The main goal of a diversity training program is to create a positive work environment by helping employees recognize and be tolerant of difference among co-workers.

Emphasis:

Establish a hiring plan that encourages the recruitment of diverse individuals. Build diversity into your company culture, and make an effort to learn and show interest in the backgrounds of your employees. In your new employee orientation, reiterate the importance of diversity and tolerance.

Policies:

Update your policies to reflect your beliefs on improving diversity and cultural acceptance in your workplace. Be aware of any language in your written documents that could come across as offensive or discriminatory to people of diverse backgrounds. Reach out to your current workforce for input regarding their current views on diversity in your company, and establish goals to improve upon it.

Celebrations:

Create a diversity council to organize activities and events related to diversity. Throw celebrations to recognize and enjoy different backgrounds that are present in your staff. Acknowledge a variety of cultural holidays, and be conscientious of days when employees may be fasting.

Driving a successful diversity strategy begins with senior leadership. Nevertheless, to be fully sustainable, everyone in the organization must live it out. These four tips will lead you on a path to an organization that embraces and celebrates diversity.

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A: Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.