HRA of Greater Oak Brook DEI Newsletter 
Welcome New Members
HRA of Oak Brook SHRM was founded to help elevate HR professionals through education, certification, networking, and community. We are a space for you to learn from each other’s successes and failures, and build your peer-to-peer network of support.
We hope you will get value from our various events and programs. For the latest updates, follow us on social media and reach out if we can help you on your HR journey.
Lastly, look out for a two-question DEI survey so we can better
serve our members in this area.
Thank you!
Brendan Nicholls, SHRM-SCP
Newsletters (PDF)
Thursday, December 7th from 5pm to 8pm
The Drake, Oak Brook
Registration Required: hraoakbrook.org
Join us for our chapter's Annual Holiday Social
& Member Appreciation Party! Enjoy a fun
evening of laughter, celebrations, and new
connections. Details coming soon!
This event is free to HRA of Greater Oak Brook
members, and we welcome guests.
Forbes 7 Ways to Promote Mental Health as Part of Diversity
In the article, 7-Ways to Promote Mental Health as Part of Diversity, Sahar Andrade of Forbes Coaches Council, shares ways to incorporate the promotion of mental health within your DEI initiatives. Sahar explains that, “Diversity is about both differences and similarities. Diversity is about race, ethnicity, gender, age and disabilities. Mental health is usually an invisible disability that many shy away from discussing as it is uncomfortable and even taboo in some cultures.”
Here are some of Sahar’s suggestions to promote mental health as part of DEI:
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma: We can start by educating ourselves and others about mental health issues and working to reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental illness. We can also create safe spaces where people can talk openly and honestly about their experiences without fear of judgment or rejection.
- Provide support and resources: We can also provide support and resources for people struggling with mental health issues, such as counseling, therapy and peer support groups. This can help people feel less alone and more connected to others who share their experiences.
- Create inclusive policies and practices: We can also create policies and practices that are inclusive of people with mental health issues, such as flexible work schedules, reasonable accommodations and mental health days. This can help create a more supportive and accepting workplace culture.
- Include mental wellness in employees’ health benefits.
- Promote culturally competent care that is sensitive to the unique experiences and needs of different groups.
This is an excerpt of the original article, you can find the full article here: FORBES
Trauma-Informed Approach to DEI Training
Tahitia Timmons is a SB Owner/Speaker/Writer for Newsweek, Certified Diversity Executive, and a coaching professional. A trauma informed approach can help create safe, supportive environments for employees. Below is a short version of
her article about implementing this type of training.
Trauma-informed DEI training is an approach that focuses on a supportive and safer environment for employees, acknowledging that in today's world, we all have experienced some type of trauma. It can help organizations reduce retraumatizing individuals and communities by recognizing the effects of trauma and promoting healing and growth. It can include trauma awareness, cultural competence, communication skills and conflict resolution. It also promotes belonging, self-care, resilience and destigmatizing mental health issues.
A Trauma-informed Approach is not a replacement for an organization's Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) or mental health services and counseling. Implementing a trauma-informed approach to DEI training in the workplace has numerous benefits for both employees and organizations. It works to create a work environment that is supportive, inclusive and safer for all employees,
regardless of their backgrounds. This helps foster a sense of belonging and trust among employees, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
This can lead to increased empathy and understanding of employees' experiences, which can help prevent further trauma from occurring in the workplace. This awareness can also help organizations reduce the risk of lawsuits and other legal issues related to discrimination and harassment by recognizing its harm.
August DEI Webinar
“Millennials Are Uniquely Designed for Innovation.
Now, If I could Just Understand Them!”
- Pamela Bozeman
Our last DEI Webinar was hosted this past August. We want to acknowledge and thank Pamela for her presentation and great engagement with our members.
Again, thanks to all that were in attendance—we hope to
see you again soon!
Our Goal: Developing and Leveraging the Millennial Talent Pool
Developing and Leveraging the Millennial Talent Pool
Goal of DEI Committee
Celebrating more than 50 years, the Human Resource Association of Greater Oak Brook, also known as HRA Oak Brook, provides professional development and networking opportunities for association members and other Human Resources professionals, consultants, vendors, and students.
Governed by an elected Board of Directors, HRA Oak Brook upholds:
The Mission to equip and empower HR professionals with the tools, resources, and relationships to develop and execute their organizational strategy.
The Vision to be the go-to resource for HR and business professionals in the Chicagoland area through education, thought leadership, certification, community, and advocacy.
The Core Values of Trust, Teamwork, Communication, Integrity, and Service.
