Our Journey to DEI: Milestones and What's Next at Obviouslee

At Obviouslee, we believe diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords. We're a team with a mix of backgrounds and experiences and constantly strive to be a more proactive, anti-racist organization. One way we do this is through our Act in Solidarity Collective. Each year, this passionate group creates a plan packed with goals and action items to make Obviouslee even more equitable and inclusive. We've already achieved some awesome milestones on this journey, and we're excited to share them with you – they pave the way for even more exciting initiatives in the future!

Reflecting on Our 2023 DEI Achievements

Edited our Vision and Mission with  more Inclusive Language:

A pivotal accomplishment was completing a thorough DEI assessment, which helped us craft a tailored vision and mission that reflects Obviouslee’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all. This was accomplished through focus group discussions with all team members, who provided insight into how we could grow and the goals we should set. The Collective then took this information and created the vision and mission, which is reviewed annually. The vision and mission statement act as Obviouslee’s roadmap and a compass. It helps us guide our organization’s journey toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. 

Trained our Team 

Training our team was a top priority in 2o23 and continues to be year over year. Last year our focus was making sure that we are hiring in an equitable and inclusive way. Every people leader on the Obviouslee team went through training focused on nurturing our understanding and enhancing our hiring process through an inclusive and equitable lens. This year our focus is on culturally competent marketing and every team member is participating in sessions so team members can unlock the potential of diverse markets, build stronger brand connections, and ultimately achieve greater marketing success.

Changed our Recruitment and Retention Policies:

Our approach to recruitment and retention saw a transformative shift, with efforts such as posting jobs on DEI-specific sites, collaborating with a DEI recruiting firm, and revising job descriptions to remove bias. We are committed to making our open roles equitable and visible to all to help us strengthen our talent pool and foster innovation. Additionally, we launched our first employee engagement survey, reviewed all policies, created internal collectives and forums, and implemented yearly salary market adjustments to ensure equitable pay. These powerful actions promote a positive work environment, reduce turnover, and foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace, positioning Obviouslee for long-term success.

Focused on Sustainability:

Sustainability is key to our DEI efforts. Integrating sustainable practices into our organization creates a more equitable and just future where everyone benefits from a healthy planet. Our team developed and adopted sustainability guides and submitted the B Corp certification assessment in hopes of becoming a B Corp-certified company this year. The B Corp certification signifies that an organization meets high social and environmental performance standards and uses business as a force for good.

Improved Communications:

Over time, we have built out a strategy to use our presence on our company's social media platforms to take a stand against injustice. Additionally, we used these platforms to educate our audiences on critically important DEI issues and events. 

 What we’re working on now

After building on our comprehensive 2023 DEI assessment, Obviouslee is doubling down on its commitment to fostering a truly inclusive workplace. In 2024, we've leveraged data from anonymous surveys and focus groups to tailor more DEI training programs that address our team's specific needs. Every voice is heard and valued; these insights inform all aspects of our organizational management. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement and cultural growth, solidifying Obviouslee as a leader in DEI.

Our impact extends beyond our walls. We’ve been strategically partnering with DEI-owned businesses and nonprofits, championing diversity in client projects, and using our voices to advocate for justice. We'll continue prioritizing open communication and feedback, embedding DEI into every decision, project, and interaction.

This unwavering commitment to ongoing improvement sets Obviouslee apart. We'll constantly revisit strategies, seek new information, and adapt our practices to serve our team and community better. By fostering a culture of feedback and assessment, we strive to create a progressive workplace that reflects the latest insights and makes a lasting positive impact.