Creating Inclusive, Diverse, and Psychologically Safe Workplaces for African-American Women Working in Public Health Response Supply Chain and Logistics

Abstract

Abstract Technology transforms traditional logistics processes, driving supply chain leaders to adapt. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of public health response logistics and supply chain technologies and the need for employees with new levels of expertise. These supply chain technologies include 3D printing, robotic production, automated inventory management, automated shipping, Blockchain technologies, connected handheld devices, demand forecasting information systems, and digital dashboard tracking information systems. By 2060 women of color will represent (51.7 %) of the workforce, which will lead to significant changes in the composition of workforce hiring pools. As the industry experiences technological knowledge workplace shortages, the need to include more diverse employees, especially African-American women, has never been more necessary. This research explores approaches to make public health response logistics technology organizations more inclusive and psychologically safe for Black women using qualitative interviews to provide data that be used to constructively influence the world of professional practice.