Epoch Education, Inc. Leader in Organizational & Structural Transformation, and expert facilitator for ED&I tackles the issue of retaining diverse talent in the workplace. The cost associated with employee attrition is a major concern for business leaders, including recruitment fees, lost productivity, and employee burnout. Studies suggest that replacing a salaried employee can cost a business up to nine months of that employee’s salary in recruiting and training costs alone.
The key to retaining diverse talent lies in putting relationships at the forefront. Prioritizing relationships lays the foundation for trust, safety, and compassion, creating a culture where every member can navigate conflicts, address bias, and create a sense of belonging. Communication, specifically Compassionate Dialogue, plays a crucial role in fostering trust, safety, and compassion within the organization.
Compassionate Dialogue is a framework that supports individuals in engaging, disagreeing, healing, growing, and moving forward in a humane way. Building a culture of belonging requires organizations to focus on the human element and address emotional responses triggered by conflicts. By engaging in Compassionate Dialogue, organizations can create an open climate where individuals can navigate differences and difficulties authentically and supportively.
The first step in building a culture that promotes Compassionate Dialogue is intrapersonal work, starting with recognizing and understanding one’s emotional responses to triggers. By modeling this process for employees, leaders can encourage a culture of belonging and compassion throughout the organization. Addressing sensitive issues in real-time is essential to preventing conflicts from growing and festering, leading to decreased engagement and potential resignations.
By implementing and practicing Compassionate Dialogue, organizations can create an open climate that fosters retention of diverse talent and ensures employee happiness, productivity, and engagement. This approach allows individuals to meet others where they’re at, engage with them authentically, and navigate differences and difficulties in a supportive manner. By embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, organizations can keep their ecosystem strong, healthy, and thriving for years to come.
