Broadening Diversity and Inclusivity in Human Factors and Ergonomics

Diversity and inclusivity are important, with demonstrated impact on numerous outcomes, including breadth, creativity, and innovation of work as well as satisfaction and commitment to organizations. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) Diversity and Inclusion Committee is charged with increasing diversity and inclusiveness within the society and, by extension, within the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) profession. We conducted a thematic analysis of an alternative format session at the HFES 2019 Annual Meeting, focusing on a breakout session where attendees discussed “Broadening Participation in HF/E.” Participants reported current levels of diversity and inclusion in the HF/E profession are lacking due to a limited early knowledge about the field compounded by resource barriers, which ultimately prevents involvement in outreach activities intended to increase participation. Thoughtfully designed outreach activities and partnerships with relevant organizations and individuals could mitigate these factors, provided outreach activities are designed to be accessible to all.