In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

When I first entered the workforce in the early 90’s, it was still the era of “leave your personal life at the door." I don't know about you, but my entire body and brain are always with me. While I can tuck bits away for a little while, I can’t leave parts of my life or identity behind; they are always in the background.

Thankfully, the “leave it at the door” era has ended. I am delighted that many organizations now work to create cultures where everyone feels they belong and can be their full selves at work. This is not a touchy-feely thing; it is about the bottom line - team members are more engaged, productive, and innovative when they feel they belong. 

Belonging requires that each of us recognize and value every individual's unique attributes and life experiences—that is, the diversity that abounds in our workgroups. 

Of late, some have shrunk the word "diversity" to a pejorative used to demean members of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Some are using it to infer that “diversity” is “less than.”

We all have multiple dimensions of diversity. The reality is that diversity is yes, and. 

Yes, I am female. And, I am Japanese, German, English, and Scottish. And, I am straight. And, I am a cancer thriver. And, I am a yogi. And, I use the pronouns she/her/hers. And, I graduated from college. And, I am an American. And, I am a Californian. And, I am a business owner. And, I am an introvert. And, I could fill a page with my dimensions of diversity.

Everyone we interact with at work can fill a page with their own dimensions of diversity. I'm more engaged and productive when I can bring all of myself to my work and when I learn about and leverage more of my colleagues' dimensions of diversity.

Love at work is about creating environments where the uniqueness of each individual is recognized and valued.

While I know many of my readers pretty well, please share some of your yes, ands so that we can get to know each other just a bit better.

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment.  

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)