With the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings, employers are reacting in a variety of ways. Some have an immediate response and cut staff, while other employers shift seamlessly to a telework model to save on operational costs. There are companies that implement a hiring freeze, and some use innovative ideas to create a “business as usual” environment. Current staff and future potential employees are watching and evaluating the decisions employers make today, and they base employment choices on what they see and hear.

Embarking on an organization-wide effort to increase DEI, which means diversity, equity and inclusion, requires a dynamic approach. DEI in all its forms as an HR function, organizational values and culture, strategic direction, supply chain management, etc. differs from other organizational initiatives.

Here at Helios HR, we recently welcomed new team members just as we switched to working remotely full time. We understood starting a new job during a pandemic was going to be challenging for our new hires, but with a little planning and teamwork, we could still provide them with a warm welcome and ensure they had everything they needed to be successful. The first step was to review our current onboarding procedure and identify what needed to be virtualized.