Empathy, diversity, inclusion, and soft skills are key building blocks of an innovative workforce challenged to respond to the ever growing needs of the COVID-19 -era. Organizations that value Diversity & Inclusion are looking for ways to manage the shift of workers and skills from the traditional based manufacturing concept to the 21st century vision incorporating new technology and tools. Creativity and innovation grows from the skills that differentiate humans, emphasizing a diverse workforce. This project looks at next steps, using diversity and inclusion in an efficient manner, discovering and training new skill sets, and building sustainability into the creative process. This book offers both academic and practitioner the highlights of best practices of successful companies in the 'New Normal' conditions caused by the worldwide pandemic. The focus is practical, applied and interdisciplinary. This book provides professionals who want to improve their understanding of innovation relevant research to help organizations navigate the changing competitive global environment. It also is ideal for professors, librarians, researchers, scholars, practitioners, senior executives, leaders and managers, and HR professionals.