Resolution Economics

There is much enthusiasm for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI&A) in today’s corporate space, but it often ends up being more symbolic than substantive. Announcing the commitment to DEI&A is just the first step; the journey from fluent declarations to meaningful change is challenging and multifaceted.

Resolution Economics (ResEcon) distinguishes itself by eschewing rhetoric and leveraging strategy, analytical frameworks, and legal expertise to bridge the gap between stated intentions and real-world implementation.

“We consistently refine our strategies in response to changing social dynamics, legal landscapes, and corporate needs, especially after significant events post-2020, like the racial justice movements and critical Supreme Court decisions and regulatory requirements. This adaptability ensures that our solutions are always relevant and practical,” says Victoria A. Lipnic, partner and head of the human capital strategy group of ResEcon and former Commissioner and acting Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

ResEcon’s Methodology in Action

At the core of ResEcon’s approach is its deep expertise in equal employment opportunity law, critical understanding of regulatory compliance and sophisticated workforce analytics. ResEcon employs a meticulously crafted customized analytical framework to navigate any corporate DEI&A landscape. Two elements are critical to the ResEcon approach: creating a strategy for the corporation’s DEI&A program and building it on a foundation of workforce analytics. This framework critically examines every stage of the employee journey, providing data-driven insights that uncover invisible diversity and inclusion barriers, such as in recruitment, hiring practices and career advancement.

Two issues top of mind for many organizations today – pay equity and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their HR practices are also areas of expertise for the firm. Conducting comprehensive pay equity audits and critically assessing AI tools in HR, ResEcon ensures fair, compliant and unbiased HR practices. This integration of pay equity audits and AI-enabled tool audits ensures that DEI&A initiatives align with all aspects of evolving workforce needs.

Strategy, Analytics, Policy Reviews, Communications: a Comprehensive Approach to Inclusion

ResEcon works with clients to develop a strategy for their DEI&A journey. Data is a critical part of that journey and ResEcon deploys its expertise on the use of data and statistical analysis in identifying barriers for successful DEI&A.

To embed diversity and inclusion in organizational ethos, ResEcon conducts comprehensive policy review and reform, employee engagement and cultural reviews, targeted training, and advisory services with the leadership of the organization from the C-Suite to the Board. The goal of every step is to create a culture that embraces diverse viewpoints.

Recognizing the importance of transparent communication in DEI&A initiatives, ResEcon assists clients in clearly articulating and consistently demonstrating their commitment to these values, thereby enhancing trust.

The firm works with clients to ensure their communications about their workforce are consistent – whether on their own corporate website or reported to a regulatory agency.

What sets ResEcon apart is its strategic partnership model. The firm collaborates with clients as a long-term ally, providing continuous insights and adapting strategies to the evolving business landscape. This enduring partnership ensures the relevance and growth of DEI&A initiatives.

Success Stories and Outcomes

ResEcon’s DEI&A strategies have yielded measurable improvements in various organizations. A technology firm struggling with gender disparity in leadership engaged with ResEcon, resulting in a 25 percent increase in female representation in senior management roles within two years.

In another success, a multinational corporation tackled pay equity challenges through ResEcon’s audits and guidance, leading to a significant reduction in pay disparities and an enhanced reputation as an equitable employer.

We consistently refine our strategies in response to changing social dynamics, legal landscapes, and corporate needs, especially after significant events post-2020, like the racial justice movements and critical Supreme Court decisions and regulatory requirements. This adaptability ensures that our solutions are always relevant and practical

Paul F. White, Ph.D., partner at ResEcon, highlights the transformative impact of ResEcon’s data-driven strategies. “A typical corporate DEI&A report shows the representation rates by race and gender of the employees across the different levels of the company. However, if there is evidence of a potential glass ceiling, we analyze their data to determine which employment decisions are most responsible for the disparity – hiring, promotions, terminations, etc. The data analysis will isolate the drop-off points and provide our clients a roadmap on where to focus their resources to further investigate potential changes to their process.”

These success stories demonstrate ResEcon’s lasting impact, fostering sustainable changes in workplace cultures. Organizations report more inclusive environments that value diverse ideas, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and employee morale and productivity.

Expertise and Evolution

ResEcon’s leadership’s decades of experience in the civil rights laws and in serving as expert witnesses in discrimination cases offer a unique perspective that informs its approach with clients and guides fortifies DEI&A strategies against litigation risks. With these value offerings, ResEcon merges as a crucial ally for companies striving to translate DEI&A principles into tangible actions.

The recent acquisition of Berkshire Associates and the DEI&A practice groups of Biddle Consulting have bolstered ResEcon’s capabilities, particularly in affirmative action planning, an important companion to DEI&A for companies who are federal contractors. These acquisitions enhance the firm’s ability to provide well-comprehensive guidance especially for companies who want to align their DEI&A with any affirmative action obligations they might have.

ResEcon’s proactive consulting distinguishes it, addressing current compliance needs while anticipating future challenges and trends. This forward-thinking approach positions ResEcon as a strategic partner, ensuring organizations meet today’s DEI&A standards and are prepared for evolving expectations.