Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental recently introduced multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to strengthen the work environment for its employees.
Here are four things to know about the strategies the DSO will be implementing:
- New training programs will be used to enhance the recruitment process of new employees and educate current employees on unconscious bias in the workplace. This includes a three-part recruitment program aimed at assessing Heartland's efforts to deepen partnerships with colleges and universities.
- The organization will launch employee resource groups that will allow its team members to connect with others who share common interests and backgrounds, such as ethnicity and gender.
- Heartland is planning additional efforts that will focus on the company's core values — collaborate, balance and celebrate — to continue a culture of inclusivity. The company will focus on understanding doctors' and team members' experiences and working toward creating a healthy work-life balance, promoting recognition of doctors and team members, and encouraging professional growth and development for employees while promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion and excellence in patient care.
- Nick Hornsberry was named Heartland's diversity, equity and inclusion Manager and is tasked with overseeing the company's DEI initiatives. Previously working with Heartland as its practice manager of operations, he steps into his new role with more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit management and political advocacy.