According to McKinsey research, to build an inclusive workplace, we need to make sure that everyone is treated fairly, without bias and discrimination, and that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute their ideas, talents, and opinions. Doing so creates a culture of equity, openness, and belonging.

“Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance and identity for each individual, and they can bring their authentic selves to work,” says Erika Jennings, Principal DEI Program Manager for Amazon Transportation Services Technology (ATS Tech). Belonging is key to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at Amazon.

At Amazon, we also recognize this work is crucial, which is why we are uniting as a global community to build the future together. And, at Amazon Freight, we aim to extend this work to the freight and logistics industry, inspiring others to build a better future with us.

In this post, we honor recent events, happenings, and holidays and share DEI tips you can incorporate into your workplace, culture, and community.

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a time to promote the equity, acceptance, and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community. It also raises awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Amazon’s approach for Pride Month 2023 is to highlight the ways we embrace our identity, break free from societal expectations and norms, find community, and discover our most authentic means of self-expression.

DEI Tip: During Pride Month, we encourage you to create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals in your personal and professional lives. Use gender-inclusive language, learn about and respect pronouns, and challenge homophobic or transphobic bias and remarks when you encounter them.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the date when enslaved people in Galveston, TX, learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Observing Juneteenth encourages us to confront and understand the legacy of slavery and systemic racism in America, and acknowledge the importance of freedom, justice, and equity for everyone.

DEI Tip: Show your support by attending events in your area such as celebrations and parades, or by organizing one yourself. Shop at black-owned businesses or donate to organizations for racial justice and equity.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month (AANHPI), celebrated in May, recognizes the contributions and influence of AANHPI individuals to U.S. history, culture, and achievements. This includes the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, where the majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the project were Chinese immigrants.

DEI Tip: Learn more about the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the AANHPI community and stand in solidarity against anti-Asian hate. This includes in the workplace, where the community faces structural barriers in career advancement, according to a recent study.

Global Accessibility Awareness Month (GAAM), celebrated each May, raises awareness about the importance of digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion people—one in six—experience a significant disability. Failing to provide digital accessibility can have real-world consequences, such as preventing individuals from accessing critical information and pursuing educational and job opportunities.

DEI Tip: Educate your customers and employees on how you are supporting persons with disabilities through digital accessibility, and share research to promote accessible and inclusive communications in their everyday lives. For example, Amazon offers accessibility resources and a dedicated website with information about the design of its products, devices, services, and environments for people with disabilities.

“Here at Amazon, we are intentional about ensuring DEI best practices are threaded into the DNA of everything we do, from recruiting to product development,” says Jennings.

“Innovation in the transportation and logistics industry is dependent on the experiences and creativity of a diverse group. We aim to both reflect the industry and best serve our customers, all of which are expecting us to continuously raise the bar on DEI.”

See what else Amazon is doing in the field of DEI.