As the Internal Culture HR Manager, I am in deep thought about historical approaches to systems, policies, and practices and their impact on the well-being of the collective. In reexamining the ways that systems are connected to the cultural health of an organization, I’m reminded of the interdependent nature of life. In a world that rewards individual resilience and productivity, it’s all too common to dismiss our human needs for rest, for nourishment, for care, and for connection.
The Trust recently partnered with Multnomah Educators Rising to provide a retreat for 30 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) education employees. The time away together was steeped in connection and care. The organizers beautifully held the needs of the group with dignity and gently invited participants into rest.
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A linear and prescribed approach to well-being does little to honor our full humanity.
As we shared stories and dreams, it was clear that our individual paths are fluid and ever-changing. A linear and prescribed approach to well-being does little to honor our full humanity. With grace, I carry these reminders into my internal culture HR work as I continuously reflect and seek to decolonize my own practices. I make room for growth and a reimagining of the systems, policies, and practices that hold us in relationship with holistic and collective well-being in the workplace.
Lorene Diaz
Internal Culture HR Manager
