Indy Chamber to help companies attract and retain diverse workforces
The Indy Chamber Foundation won a grant to help 19 small and medium-size companies build and retain a diverse workforce, including Ivy Tech Indianapolis, IndyGo and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, the organization announced Wednesday.
"Filling job openings — particularly with diverse talent — remains one of the most significant challenges facing our members today,” said Taylor Hughes, vice president of policy and strategy at the chamber, in a statement. “Through the BEI Workforce Pilot, companies will be equipped with strategies and resources to develop equitable talent pipelines, enhance inclusive hiring practices, and support the health and wellbeing of a diverse workforce.”
The program, called Workforce Pilot, is a result of the Business Equity for Indy effort, a partnership between the chamber, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and Indianapolis Urban League. The coalition formed after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis prompted nationwide protests and discourse on racism and discrimination.
Indiana companies, such Cummins, Eli Lilly and Salesforce, pledged to address racial disparities within their own workforce as a result in 2020. The Indy Racial Equity Pledge outlined initiatives ranging from hiring and retaining Black workers, increasing spending at Black-owned businesses and investing in Black-led organizations.
“Disparities in education have a tremendous impact on career trajectories, earnings, and quality of life—and while employers may recognize those barriers, many are unsure how to take corrective action,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, president & CEO, Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, in statement. “The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is proud to partner with the Indy Chamber to support businesses working to create greater opportunity for Black and Brown talent across our region.”
Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 and Bhuang@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jobs: Indy Chamber to help companies build diverse workforces
