Marcus S. Atkinson spent over a decade in Atlanta, GA where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business from Clayton State University. During that time in the south, he immersed himself in political and community organizing - a priceless experience that would shape his worldview for years to come. His keen community insight developed as a result of being a societal bridge between multiple racial, ethnic, socio-economic and political communities in metro Atlanta and, eventually, in the Greater Erie area as well.

Marcus S. Atkinson

Principal

A native of Erie, PA and a graduate of Strong Vincent, Marcus embarked on a journey of service upon returning to his hometown in 2005. His desire to impact future generations has made him one of the most impassioned advocates for Erie’s citizens; its youth in particular. In time, Marcus found a great deal of success in the non-profit space as an Executive Director. His innovative approach to programming, fund development, team building and strategic alliances, due in large part to the instincts he honed as a serial entrepreneur and small business owner, made him one of the most recognized executive directors among his contemporaries.

These are but a few reasons why his voice and counsel have been sought out to participate on boards and in strategic planning sessions aimed at moving Erie in a positive direction. He currently chairs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for the Erie Community Foundation and the Sector Services Committee for the Nonprofit Partnership where he spearheaded the creation of the diversity pledge for nonprofit agencies. To date, he is a key component in forging a progressive pathway forward for both of the above-mentioned agencies in the DEI realm.

These experiences combined with a wealth of relational capital accumulated over time comprise what is now known as M. Atkinson & Associates, in association with Infinity Professional Consulting. The strength of this alliance makes M. Atkinson & Associates a more viable selection to serve your consulting needs. For several decades, Infinity Professional Consulting has assisted organizations by addressing all facets of employee dynamics, including: organizational structure, talent recruitment, reporting relationships, job responsibilities, performance management, legal compliance, and retaining top employees. Choose innovation. Choose success. Choose, M. Atkinson & Associates for all of your consulting needs.

WHY DEI IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR ORGANIZATION & BUSINESS

56%

The millennial and Gen Z generations are the most diverse in history: only 56% of the 87 million millennials in the country are white, as compared to 72% of the 76 million members of the baby boomer generation. (CNN Money)

67%

67% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an important factor when considering employment opportunities, and more than 50% of current employees want their workplace to do more to increase diversity.

78%

78% of employees who responded to a Harvard Business Review (HBR) study said they work at organizations that lack diversity in leadership positions. (Harvard Business Review)

OTHER INSIGHTS ON THE VALUE OF DEI

Larger Hiring Pool

By not limiting yourself or your organization to a certain type of person, you increase the hiring pool significantly. This gives you the opportunity to have more applicants. More applicants mean you’re more likely to get the right applicant. You should always hire the best person for the job instead of settling for somebody just to fill the position.

Different Perspectives

People with different backgrounds and beliefs all bring different perspectives to the workplace. These various perspectives can be very beneficial if cultivated. What do I mean by cultivated? I mean when you as a manager or leader encourage an environment of inclusion and encourage others to share their perspectives, these perspectives will help you see many ideas and solutions you didn’t even think of. The important part is making everybody feel like it’s ok to have their own views and opinions.

Improves Productivity

Increased productivity is a byproduct of hiring better people and having multiple perspectives leading to more ideas and solutions to problems. More productivity within an organization leads to higher profits. More profits are the goal of pretty much every organization.

Increased Creativity

Like increased productivity, increased creativity is one of the amazing byproducts of having different perspectives. Various employees can come up with some crazy ideas that work. Without diversity, you would have never thought of these additional ideas. These additional ideas and solutions to problems lead to more efficiency and increased profits.

Better Employee Performance

Having an environment of inclusion and acceptance will lead to happier employees. Why are these employees happier? They feel more comfortable being themselves. They feel like it’s ok to be themselves. Happy employees are more productive and more willing to share ideas. You can’t change everybody’s mind on inclusion and acceptance but it starts with you as the leader.

Reduced Employee Turnover

Happy employees are way less likely to leave the company even if they can find a higher paying job. Reduced employee turnover leaves you with more experienced employees. Experienced employees are a lot more productive and efficient than new employees. The more experience you can keep within an organization the stronger it will be.

Improved Organizational Image

Although I don’t think you should foster an environment of diversity and inclusion just to look good, you should be doing it because it’s the right thing to do. It does have a positive impact on an organization’s image to welcome diversity in the workplace. Especially in the age of globalization, where business is conducted with many different countries. It can send a friendly message having many different types of people in various positions throughout the company.

Increases Individual Insights

Not only does a diverse workplace benefit the company, but it also benefits society. Many relationships are built in the workplace. If the workplace is diverse and fosters an environment of inclusion these friendships will be with people that different than themselves. This environment will make everybody within the environment a lot more aware of different cultures and other differences. It shows everybody that being different isn’t a bad thing.

*Sources: Growth Tactics / Bonusly