Business leaders and HR managers globally are striving hard to create a workplace that is equitable, fair and bias-free. To help them navigate through the DEI journey, it is important to implement the values that align with their business needs and company culture. The objective of this guide is to emphasize that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are critical for a successful business. To pave the way for DEI in the workplace and an environment that empowers teams to drive better results, companies should ensure they comply with the following list –
1.) Inclusive leadership – Leaders who view DEI as an opportunity to foster equality and a culture where individuals can thrive can create a positive ripple effect throughout the organization. Being the “diversity and inclusion” advocates they can set a positive example and inspire the employees to be accountable for DEI values.
2.) Robust company Policies – Organizations should implement comprehensive policies that reflect the business’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion values –
- Diverse and unbiased recruitment panel with transparent hiring practices
- Fair process to assess employee’s performance
- Evaluate and monitor pay equity periodically
- Respectful workplace that celebrates individual identities and encourages open expression. Take our workplace quiz to assess your organization’s DEI progress.
- Equal career growth opportunities
- Clear procedures for addressing complaints
3.) Benefits & perks – Companies should consider offering the benefits and perks that result in the overall well-being of its employees like extended parental leaves, flexible work policies to suit their schedules, support for childcare/eldercare, medical insurance coverage, mental health support and more. Such initiatives can truly create an ecosystem that encourages diversity and inclusion.
4.) Inclusive Language – Language is a powerful tool to communicate and develop a sense of belonging within any community. By choosing to use inclusive language, a company empowers everyone to speak freely and ensure that their voices are heard. Using gender-neutral phrases and being mindful of the word choice is a conscious step towards a diverse and inclusive work culture. Leaders should encourage inclusive language to foster open communication within the organization and its employees.
5.) DEI Holiday Calendar – To incorporate additional DEI values and practices within your workforce is to plan a Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) holiday calendar. This initiative will help your employees understand the importance of diversity and respect for each other’s culture. Download DEI 2023 holiday calendar here.
6.) Compliance and accountability – A responsible management that keeps a routine check on all the above initiatives and their adherence. Regular meetings with the key DEI stakeholders to assess progress and corrective measures to ensure a diverse, inclusive and safe work environment in the long term. It is also important for all employees to play an equal role in upholding DEI values in their day-to-day work interactions and behaviours.
While the above list is not exhaustive, it can serve as a starting point for organizations to embrace a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Creating a DEI friendly workplace requires consistent efforts and regular actions both by the management and its employees. A holistic & sustainable approach towards diversity and equity can help companies achieve the ultimate DEI goal.
Is your company complying with the above list? Does it follow the policies that benefit the employees? What is the procedure to address complaints and resolving conflicts?
Workplace diversity is about identifying differences and embracing them regardless of your ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity to foster an inclusive work environment. DEI Training for the Workforce will take a deep dive into acceptable and unacceptable workplace attitudes and behaviours, interactive exercises to gain a practical understanding of how to build a supportive workforce.
