Ceridian is observing International Women's Day – Here's how you can too

Donnebra McClendon

Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ceridian

We live in a world full of bias, and one in which differences that should be celebrated are used as the basis for discrimination. Every country can improve their commitment to equity and inclusion, and all of them can improve the fairness, freedom, and opportunities they offer their diverse populations. Gender equity must be a priority.

Across the globe, women face the threat of violence, workplace exclusion and discrimination, barriers to education, inadequate health care, and pressure to contribute and conform to unfair expectations. At Ceridian, we are committed to helping to #EmbraceEquity. To recognize women’s unique perspectives and history, Ceridian’s YOUnity groups – our employee resource groups – are coming together to highlight issues facing women and empower employees to embrace equity.

International Women’s Day 2023 at Ceridian

Whether we like to admit it or not, unconscious bias affects the dynamics of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These implicit biases can directly impact our ability to remain equitable to all.

Some examples of unconscious bias include women being routinely left out of meetings, overlooked for promotions, or paid significantly less than male co-workers of similar qualifications and duties. When left unchecked, each of these realities can quickly turn into pernicious policies, procedures, and cultures.

To overcome unconscious bias, we first have to be aware of it – and that starts with education. Here at Ceridian, we offered training sessions on topics related to International Women’s Day like “Appreciating Diversity: Celebrating Women’s History Month in America.” Our goal in these trainings is to educate and raise awareness around the issues, history, and story of women in both domestic and international settings.

For International Women’s Day 2023, Ceridian Co-CEO, Leagh Turner, hosted a diverse panel discussion with five internal leaders to explore the nuances of equity and equality, highlighting panelists’ journeys through the lens of equity.

Our internal training to promote women’s history and our executive-led panel discussion are two ways we’re working to #EmbraceEquity.

Ceridian’s YOUnity groups promoting gender equity in the workplace

In celebration and honor of International Women’s Day 2023, two of our employee resource groups are hosting events and sharing information that address their unique intersectionality. Here are a few of the goings-on at Ceridian this March:

• The Ceridian Women’s Network sponsored a diverse panel discussion with our Co-CEO, Leagh Turner.
• Women in Motion, a subset of the Ceridian Women’s Network, hosted a Self-Love Balance Break event that explored the impact of self-love on overall wellbeing.
• The Ceridian Parents Network hosted “More than a Mom,” a networking event for employees. .

“When we continue to learn, we continue to grow and open ourselves up to new experiences. Suddenly, our comfort zones have grown,” says Donnebra McClendon, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ceridian. “I’m proud of the efforts our YOUnity groups have put in to show the issues impacting women across the globe. These lenses are an important way to overcome bias on multiple levels.”

Ways you can observe International Women’s Day

Our teams at Ceridian are busy with educational and conversational efforts to #EmbraceEquity and raise awareness for the variety of issues affecting women globally. And you can be, too.

Encourage IWD activities at your workplace

Encourage International Women’s Day dialogue with co-workers and share information about the issues affecting women in your industry. Education is one of the easiest diversity and inclusion best practices to implement, so begin the journey toward equity in the workplace by simply sparking a conversation.

Educate yourself with IWD resources

International Women’s Day is all about shedding light on previously overlooked issues facing women in companies, countries, and cultures worldwide. Engage with the litany of resources, videos, and activities online at the official International Women’s Day website.

Host a Women’s History book club

We celebrate International Women’s Day in March which is also Women’s History Month in the U.S. While not every country may recognize this month-long celebration, it is a great opportunity to engage with women’s history no matter where you live. Consider picking up a book that chronicles crucial eras of women’s history and read it throughout the month. You can take it a step further and organize a book club with a handful of friends or co-workers so you can read together and discuss ways you can embrace equity.

Join the conversation online

Social media is an excellent place to share your support for International Woman’s Day. Join people all over the world in the pledge against implicit bias. All our Ceridian YOUnity groups invite you to show your support by posting the #EmbraceEquity pose to social media on March 8.