What strategy can leaders employ to help underrepresented employees advance in their careers?

Increasing access to senior leadership for employees of color is a vital strategy for fostering their advancement in the workplace. This approach creates opportunities for underrepresented employees to engage directly with those in higher positions who can mentor, sponsor, and advocate for them. By promoting visibility and access, organizations can help break down barriers that often prevent these employees from climbing the corporate ladder.

This strategy also addresses systemic inequalities that may exist within organizations. By ensuring that leadership is not an exclusive domain but rather an accessible opportunity for all, organizations demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Employees are more likely to feel valued and empowered when they see pathways for advancement, which in turn can enhance employee morale and retention.

The other approaches do not effectively support the advancement of underrepresented employees. Limiting training to senior staff can perpetuate disparities in knowledge and skills, prioritizing traditional networking channels may exclude those who do not have access or may not be part of those networks, and focusing solely on individual achievements overlooks the systemic issues faced by underrepresented groups in progressing within their careers.