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Boosting Inclusivity: Harnessing Diverse Perspectives For PR Communications

Forbes Communications Council

Marie O'Riordan is the Global Director of Public Relations at EML Payments.

As a gay woman with autism, I have acknowledged the profound significance of diversity and inclusion in professional environments and public relations (PR) campaigns. I recently participated in a comprehensive workshop on diversity, equity and cultural competency with my colleagues, customized for our organization's expansive global reach. The training emphasized the world's urgent need to close gaps in diversity, cultural comprehension and communication to nurture inclusive spaces. This experience was a powerful reminder of the immense benefits of incorporating diverse PR communications viewpoints.

Throughout my career as a public relations professional, I have observed the profound influence campaigns have on diverse audiences, underlining the need for inclusivity and effectiveness. Championing diversity and nurturing inclusion in the workplace is essential for creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for employees from all walks of life. As a gay and autistic individual, I am intimately aware of the challenges these minority groups face and the importance of feeling valued and respected in a professional context. Employers can create a more inclusive atmosphere by proactively seeking and hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds, promoting a culture of mutual respect and inclusiveness and providing necessary support and accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Diversity and inclusion should extend beyond the workplace, becoming critical components of all PR campaigns. To design compelling and impactful campaigns, it is crucial to consider the experiences and perspectives of diverse audiences, including those from the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Here are some strategies for promoting inclusivity:

• Actively recruit and hire individuals from diverse backgrounds to cultivate a more inclusive workplace.

• Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity within the organization.

• Provide support and accommodations for employees with disabilities.

• Conduct research and gather insights from varied sources to improve campaign effectiveness and resonance.

• Partner with influencers or content creators from diverse communities to help add authenticity to campaigns.

• Employ individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute to campaign development.

• Evaluate the inclusivity and effectiveness of campaigns by soliciting feedback from a broad range of audiences.

• Analyze campaign metrics to understand the responses of different demographic groups.

• Conduct post-campaign surveys to collect valuable insights for future initiatives.

• Continually assess and refine your approach, ensuring your PR campaigns remain as inclusive and effective as possible.

However, more than simply including diverse perspectives in campaigns is required; evaluating their effectiveness and inclusivity is equally vital. This assessment process may involve gathering feedback from a diverse range of audiences, examining campaign metrics to understand the responses of various demographic groups or conducting post-campaign surveys to gather valuable insights for future projects. By consistently evaluating and refining your approach, you can help ensure that your PR campaigns achieve high inclusivity and effectiveness.

As an LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent PR professional, I have personally experienced the indispensable significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and PR campaigns. By actively seeking diverse perspectives, collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering open communication, embracing creativity and continuously assessing and enhancing your approach, you can create more meaningful, authentic and inclusive campaigns that resonate with a broader, diverse audience.


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