Inclusive Workforce Employer Designation
Central, MN—The Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. Workforce Development Board is excited to announce that Sherburne County has received the prestigious Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Designation. This recognition highlights Sherburne County’s unwavering commitment to promoting an inclusive and equitable culture within its business and the region. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sherburne County for being the first county in the state to receive this designation.
In February 2021, Sherburne County created a committee that began the process of developing, implementing, and ensuring a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Today, the committee has grown to have representation from many of the county departments. Sherburne County is committed to support, encourage and value the unique contributions of a diverse workforce, which enriches both the employment experience and the interactions with the communities we serve. Diversity in Sherburne County refers to the differences, similarities, and uniqueness of individuals, groups, and communities, and is not limited to race and gender, but includes human attributes, values, beliefs, behaviors, orientations, norms, and experiences.
The I-WE designation was created to recognize and promote inclusive employers, reduce regional disparities, and raise awareness of the value and methods of increasing workforce diversity.
To receive the I-WE designation, each participating employer had to meet four criteria:
- Express a commitment to an inclusive workplace in their stated values, mission or policies.
- Assess how diversity, equity and inclusion influence their work and culture.
- Provide diversity, equity and inclusion education for staff and leadership.
- Allocate resources to support and sustain an inclusive and equitable workplace.
The I-WE designation is a collaboration between Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. and Career Solutions, recognizing entities in the State Planning Region 3 and its 13 counties. Region 3 has a dedicated Community Inclusion Council (CIC) that works with entities pursuing the designation. The CIC’s mission is to champion a robust and diverse workforce that meets the needs of regional employers, aligning perfectly with the designation’s goal. Employers with the I-WE designation will be promoted to career seekers throughout Central Minnesota and CareerForce proud partners. For more information about the I-WE Designation, please visit https://www.cmjts.org/I-WE-program.
