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Public Service

Diversity, equity and inclusion in government

September 27, 2021

2-MINUTE READ

In brief

  • Accenture and NASCA surveyed Chief Administrative Officers in 32 states to understand their progress on diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • One of the biggest challenges CAOs face is staff lacking self-awareness about their own biases.
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion must be embedded into any initiative or strategy implementation to address workplace inequities.
  • CAOs reported a perceived inequity around which positions could work remote versus which had to remain in the office.

In the Accenture and NASCA survey, 66% of CAOs indicated that their state has a diversity, equity and inclusion plan. Even so, CAOs shared some of their challenges. Among them: Many staff lacking self-awareness about their own biases. Senior/executive management teams that do not reflect the diversity of the workforce. And data needed to help identify opportunity areas.

Cultural impacts of remote work

63%

CAOs are unsure how remote work will impact efforts to create an inclusive workplace.

34%

CAOs reported perceived inequity around remote work during the pandemic.

Steps to consider

Identify top areas of concern

Publicly share measurable objectives for systems, policies and culture.

Consider forming cross-agency workgroups and working with expert third parties.

Over-communicate

Actively communicate visions, strategies and progress.

Consider a central messaging board.

Encourage two-way communication.

Measure and disseminate results

Consider clear objectives that hold leaders and teams accountable.

Track and report progress.

66%

of CAO’s have developed a diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.

34%

of CAOs reported perceived inequity around remote work.

About the Authors

Kelly Rogers

Senior Manager – Public Service, North America

Bill Kilmartin

Former Comptroller – Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jenny Brodie

Senior Manager – Health & Public Service, Research

Pam Goins

Executive Director – National Association of State Chief Administrators

Jamie Rodgers

Consultant – Public Service, North America

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