We have a real failure of imagination when it comes to what people’s life circumstances are like. We can’t think beyond what we’ve seen or known, but there’s so many ways our bodies can complicate our lives…our caregiving structures, our trauma histories…all these things are sometimes hard to bring to an office. And people are able to contribute at a much higher level if they could do it in a space that’s comfortable for them.
– Corey Williams, founder of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) consulting firm, SAIR Collective
Embracing Remote Work: The SAIR Collective Approach to DEIB Consulting
In a recent episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, Corey Williams, the founder and owner of SAIR Collective, shared insights into her fully remote DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) consulting practice. Corey’s journey of transitioning to remote work as a mother of four underscores the importance of flexibility and balance, which are integral to SAIR Collective’s operations.
SAIR Collective, comprising a team of four full-time members and contractors, operates as a fully remote organization, prioritizing belonging and connection across differences. Corey highlighted how remote work enables her team to effectively meet diverse individual needs, citing examples of team members managing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. By fostering open communication and flexibility, SAIR Collective creates a supportive environment where employees thrive and contribute their best selves.
Embracing Vulnerability and Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Corey discussed the intentional design of SAIR Collective’s remote-first strategy, tailored to suit her needs as a founder and accommodate her daughter’s health condition. The company’s culture embraces vulnerability and fosters a sense of belonging, with practices like “First Draft” and dedicated time for sharing feelings.
Transformative Impact of Remote Work
The conversation explored the challenges and opportunities of remote work, emphasizing the need for effective tools, structures, and interpersonal connections. Corey shared personal experiences, including her daughter’s educational journey during the pandemic, to illustrate the transformative impact of remote work and accommodations.
Setting Boundaries and Open Communication
Regarding client relationships, Corey emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for her team’s needs. SAIR Collective prioritizes client collaboration while maintaining a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
In hiring, Corey seeks candidates with a passion for DEIB work, self-awareness, and the ability to communicate openly about their needs. The company values diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving, recognizing the strengths that neurodiversity brings to the team.
A Culture of Empathy and Inclusivity
Overall, SAIR Collective embodies a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability, demonstrating how remote work can enhance productivity, well-being, and organizational success. Corey’s commitment to fostering connection and belonging remains steadfast as she leads her team in navigating the evolving landscape of remote work.
The History Behind SAIR Collective
SAIR Collective, founded by Corey Williams, derives its name from the combination of “seed” and “hair,” symbolizing the resilience of ancestors during the transatlantic slave trade. Their mission centers on collective knowledge and experiences to create inclusive work environments. SAIR offers diverse services, from deep dive trainings for Fortune 100 executives to equity assessments for nonprofits.
In conclusion, SAIR Collective remains dedicated to transforming workplaces and fostering belonging for all. Contact Corey via SAIR Collective’s website for further inquiries or DEI support. As the world embraces remote work, SAIR Collective stands as a beacon of inclusive and impactful consulting in the digital age.
Connect with Corey Williams
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Q & A with Corey
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
- Working from home enables me and all the folks on my team to meet the many diverse needs in their lives and show up as their best selves.
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
- 4 years.
What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
- Our team has to intentionally make space to connect, as we don’t meet in person. And it does mean that we often work at unusual hours and need to be flexible with one another.
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
- It works for me to pick up and put down work when home life is quieter in the evenings. And as a relatively new business (4 years), still in growth stage, I need those extra hours.
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
- Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. If you’re a manager worried that your people won’t be as engaged or productive working from home, name that worry. Many times we can overcome those challenges and help everyone feel comfortable and meet goals if we’re willing to name the unnamed.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
- 1 – Patience – with yourself and others.
- 2 – Motivation – the ability to keep yourself engaged and to reach out when you aren’t.
- 3 – Something that you do outside of home. For me, it’s swimming. But it can be anything – taking a walk, a book club. Eventually the four walls do close in.
S3 E8 How Pampered Chef Helps Marlee Kivens Achieve Work-Life Balance with Spina Bifida – Work From Home Forever
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- S3 E6 Founding Virtual Not Distant: Pilar Orti’s Journey to Support Remote Teams
- S3 E5 Corey Walker: From Marketing Specialist to Instagram for Dummies
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