Today, on 18th January, we celebrate Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. It remains an ‘essential’ holiday for the majority of Americans in 2021 to remember the importance of US civil rights, according to a new survey.
Most American adults from diverse backgrounds view Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy not just as a great “dream” speech, but also a continuing commitment to civil rights. “Skin colour and ethnicity should not divide those who work for a living,” King told the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organisations – one of America’s most important trade unions – back in 1963.
According to Reputation Leaders’ latest survey, around 80% of Americans agree that civil rights are just as important in 2021 as at any time in the last 30 years. This is evidenced by three in 10 employees (29%) reporting they were personally and negatively affected by discrimination in 2020. Over half (53%) of those cited racial discrimination. Additionally, two-thirds of Americans said that the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that America’s leaders (in public/government and private organisations) still need to address inequalities in education, jobs and health faced by minorities.
EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
In fact, half of America’s workers look to their employers to act on race and equality issues, confirms the study. But unfortunately, 45% of American workers do not expect their employer to make significant progress on diversity and inclusion (D&I) issues in 2021. This, however, impacts how proud staff are to be employed at an organisation, confirmed the thought leadership and reputation consultancy.
The report found that 85% of workers are proud to work for employers who have acted to address racism in their organisation. Additionally, 79% of staff that believe their company will make significant D&I progress, say they are proud to be employed there; compared to just 53% who expect no action from their bosses in this area.
Interestingly, more Americans believe that the workplace, through HR/D&I, is the right place to create and pursue racial justice than other options such as activism, politics or the judicial system. An employers commitment to D&I, however, will impact the talent they can attract and retain in 2021, notes the study. Around 45% of workers say this commitment would “significantly impact” or even be “non-negotiable in deciding whether or not to work for a new employer”.
CEOs and leaders, therefore, need to take more D&I action if they want to retain top talent and “not be silent” on matters of racial double standards and inequality, according to business experts. To learn more about the life of Dr Martin Luther King, check out The King Center. It’s also hosting an online Commemorative Service to honour the late global civil rights icon, later today.
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