Seramount Honors the American Institutes for Research for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has been named to Seramount's Inclusion Index list, which recognizes companies that are leading the way in fostering diverse and inclusive work environments. This is the second consecutive year that AIR has earned the designation for its continued progress in retaining and developing a diverse workforce.

"AIR remains committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the foundation of everything we do as we seek to create an inclusive workplace where all people can thrive," said Karen Francis, AIR vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer. "This award is a testament to the progress we have made to reinforce a culture of inclusion and embrace diverse backgrounds and perspectives. At AIR diversity, equity and inclusion is everyone's responsibility and everyone plays a vital role to deepen and expand our approach across the institution-ours is truly a collective effort."

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. For more than six years, Seramount's Inclusion Index has assessed companies' progress in recruitment, retention practices and career advancement opportunities for underrepresented groups-women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

This year, AIR was among the 42 organizations recognized for inclusive workplace practices. AIR has made progress on the Seramount Inclusion Index through our collective work, moving from a score of 60% in 2023 to a score of 70% for 2024.

AIR's growth and progress over the past year includes strengthening recruitment and retention initiatives focused on gender equity, providing internal and external networking opportunities for women across all levels, and ensuring employee resource groups remain committed to tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year's honor also builds upon other DEI-related awards, including Seramount's Best Companies for Multicultural Women, Diversity MBA's Best Places to Work for Women and Diverse Managers, and Disability:IN's Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities.

In addition, AIR has adopted a DEI strategy that is based on four pillars-workforce and work environment; cultural competence; aligning its work and organizational identity and reputation; and sustainability and growth. These pillars are fully integrated into the institution's broader organizational strategy, its approach to research and evaluation, and how AIR staff deliver training and technical assistance.

This year, 160 organizations applied to participate in Seramount's 2024 Inclusion Index, highlighting the growing importance of advancing DEI in today's business practices. As honorees, AIR is in the company of other distinguished organizations, including the American Red Cross, Johnson & Johnson, Seattle's Children Hospital, and State Farm.