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Three aging services-related organizations have formed a coalition to promote education and a long-term action plan related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the senior living industry.
Argentum, the American Seniors Housing Association and the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care have created the Senior Living DEIB Coalition in a commitment to promote DEIB to businesses operating in senior living or allied to the industry.
“As industry challenges continue with recruiting and retaining talent, we hope this effort can serve to catalyze thinking around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and how it is critical to future business, how it will strengthen human capital, and why it is the right thing to do,” Argentum President and CEO James Balda said in a statement. Last year, Argentum signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion commitment, committing the organization to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
It has been stated that “talent is equal, but oftentimes opportunity is not,” ASHA President and CEO David Schless said.
“This coalition is driven to an eventual goal of equally distributed opportunity, thus empowering diversity and industry growth,” he added.
The coalition has developed a three-step process to educate industry professionals about DEIB needs and data and to determine the most effective ways to support DEIB in senior living.
To assist in this effort, the Hartford, CT-based Axela Group consulting firm is conducting interviews with industry thought leaders to assess the current state of and vision for DEIB. A work group then will form to address challenges and opportunities. The coalition and work group will collaborate with Chicago-based Ferguson Partners to develop and conduct a DEIB survey to gain organizational insights and perspectives from senior living operators and owners.
Themes and insights gathered through the interviews, work group and survey will help in creating a long-term action plan that will support the development of supporting tools, education and resources for senior living owners and operators to advance best practices around DEIB.
“This initiative will be a very intentional and thorough process to launch a long-term movement around DEIB, with a desire to measure and realize industry progress year over year,” NIC President and CEO Brian Jurutka said. “The member organizations within the coalition felt it critical to unite and advance this initiative together. We are all excited to be a part of this important industry movement and the positive change it will generate.”
Anyone interested in participating in the initial work group should complete an information form by Jan. 21.
