Best of the Best

DiversityComm, Inc. Best of the Best Surveys - 

An invitation to participate in the annual review surveys is available online at www.blackeoejournal.com, www.hnmagazine.com, www.professionalwomanmag.com, and www.usveteransmagazine.com. Invitations are also sent out annually via email directly to Chief Diversity Officers, Human Resource Directors, Talent & Acquisition Managers, Supplier Diversity Directors, Deputy Council, PR/Advertising Agencies, and Corporate Affairs Personnel within or on behalf of each organization. Approximately 900 selected emails are sent by invitation for this survey. The initial study begins in March and is completed and published in the summer and fall issues of the same year. Each company is given approximately three months to complete each survey and there are roughly 15-30 questions depending on the category. Questions are specific for each category: Employer, Supplier Programs, Corporation by Industry, etc. Many of the questions change from year to year. 

For the current year’s survey, we found that the most valuable question asked was, “Why do you believe your company should be recognized as a Leader?” Because the answers were inspiring and informative, next year’s survey will include a release authorization to publish selected responses. We believe this question is important because while some companies may not yet have the results they desire, they are actively seeking, showing support, offering assistance and opportunity, and contributing financially toward community and diversity inclusion. Many of the programs being offered to women and minorities are worthy of recognition and may be helpful in guiding others to implement or expand on their own initiatives.
Each year the survey results show remarkable growth in diversity inclusion practices. By sharing these unique responses, we hope to not only increase quality candidates, but also to encourage other companies to follow the lead and ultimately create a more diverse workforce. The DiversityComm Research Division reviews surveys and compiles its own independent data. This data includes public records such as 10-K Annual Reports, reader responses, market research, interviews, community, and conference participation.

Our Research Division also considers the unique efforts made by human resource and supplier managers to actively seek diverse applicants and certified disadvantaged business owners. An analysis is made and scores are awarded to policies that support equal access, advancement, and inclusion of all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Companies are also scored for creating or joining a non-profit diversity group as a method of actively seeking diverse candidates. Sponsorships and/or participation at non-profit diversity conferences also demonstrate commitment to diversity and EEO.

DiversityComm participates in and distributes its diversity focused magazines to over 100 conferences. The DiversityComm Research Division vigorously reviews and records those who attend events and the extent of participation and sponsorship.  Because DiversityComm personnel physically attend the conferences, we are able to see first-hand how corporations are participating and how eager they are to support global diversity. Conference participation provides the best visibility and exposure to these targeted groups. Some companies go beyond the call of duty and not only present career and business opportunities, but also hold workshops, sponsor luncheons, provide keynote speakers, and offer career counseling, financial aid, valuable tools and information to advance the communities. These are examples of companies who deserve recognition.

As the magazine of choice for conference exposure and community outreach, we are in a unique position to evaluate those who regularly participate and support diversity as a whole. At the conclusion of the evaluations, the “Best of the Best” results are announced and published. Vehicles though which results are made public include the print magazines, digital editions, bi-weekly e-newsletters, and press releases. Each honoree also receives a letter of congratulations, certificate, and authorized digital recognition seal for publicity, future advertising, and/or individual press release for distribution.  The honorees are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked by number.  If you would like your company or agency to receive a survey invitation via email for the 2013 evaluation, please send your request to Karin Sweet at ksweet@professionalwomanmag.com. 

Those who work together grow together.

DiversityComm, Inc.