Entry Details

About the Entry

Category: 
All Content > Diversity, Equity and Inclusion > Central

Title of entry: 
Refocusing Efforts

Issue or Publication date:
July 2024

Publication name: 
tED magazine

View Website home page:
tedmag.com

Links to entry URLs

Please note: These URLs are only required for entries in the Online division categories, or digital entries in appropriate Overall Excellence, Design or All Content division categories.

Entry URL(s), if applicable:
Please enter a URL that will direct judges to the entry: 
https://www.tedmagazine-digital.com/tedmagazine/july_2024-b_the_dei_evolution/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=1&folio=8#pg10

Entry Essay: 
As the official publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), tED magazine is the voice for the top electrical distributors in North America. Designed to appeal to all electrical distribution personnel—from drivers and warehouse workers to presidents and CEOs—tED is read by employees of companies ranging from national chains to independents of all sizes. tED’s readers are top performers and decision-makers in the industry and the magazine strives to get important messages and product information in front of them each month. We are also proud that tED magazine has a reputation for addressing the tough issues within the channel that are reported on without advertiser influence.

For many decades, electrical distribution was an industry populated largely by white men. If there is an industry that needed the "inclusion" part of DEI, it was this one. But while, like many other industries, many electrical distribution companies began growing their DEI efforts...challenges presented themselves. In this feature story we wanted to explore those challenges—growing pains, misunderstandings, blowback, and more—and look at how goals and programs related to DEI are evolving (must evolve) to meet a changing landscape, how to prevent "DEI fatigue" and how to keep employees invested in such programs.

For the article freelance writer Carol Katarsky spoke with industry experts and distribution company executives and management to illustrate how DEI programs are changing. The article also features a sidebar with steps to reframe and redefine to improve DEI efforts and keep the momentum strong.