How to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace

Organizations that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) tend to achieve superior business results. Although plenty of companies have made efforts to enhance their DEI practices, advancements have been gradual. As a result, many are now implementing additional measures to establish safer and more inclusive environments.

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What is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace involve creating a culture where people from various genders, races, ethnicities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations are represented and valued.

It’s crucial not only to hire a diverse workforce but also to ensure that all employees have equal access to resources, fair compensation, and opportunities for career advancement. A truly inclusive work environment develops employee engagement and morale, benefiting both the organization and its diverse talent pool.

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What does a DEI hire mean?

A DEI hire refers to the practice of bringing on board employees who are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. According to recent findings, 61% of workers are aware of their company's policies promoting fairness in hiring, pay, and promotions, while 52% participate in DEI training or meetings.

This focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion aims to create an inclusive work culture where employees from diverse backgrounds feel supported and treated fairly.

Why is DEI important - especially now?

Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is increasingly important for creating a more inclusive workplace. Although many workers recognize the value of a diverse environment, only about a third prioritize working with a mix of races and ethnicities or ages.

Black workers, however, are notably more likely to value racial and ethnic diversity, with 53% citing it as crucial, compared to 25% of White workers. Embracing diversity not only supports underrepresented groups but also enhances overall employee morale and organizational success.

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The benefits of DEI in the workplace

Here are some of the benefits of diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations:

Boosts innovation

Diverse teams bring multiple perspectives, driving creativity and innovation that can lead to more effective problem-solving.

Boosts employee satisfaction

An inclusive workplace culture helps employees feel valued and supported, increasing job satisfaction, and reducing turnover.

Improves performance

Companies with a diverse and inclusive workforce often see better performance and productivity due to the varied skills and viewpoints brought by diverse employees.

Attracts top talent

Embracing diversity in hiring practices helps organizations attract top talent from a broader pool, giving them a competitive edge.

Strengthens company reputation

Organizations that actively support underrepresented groups and develop an inclusive environment are often viewed more favorably.

Supports equal opportunity

DEI initiatives promote fair treatment and equal opportunity for all employees, ensuring a more equitable and just workplace.

What are the biggest challenges of DEI?

Some of the biggest hurdles to DEI initiatives include:

• Unconscious bias: Many organizations struggle with unconscious bias in the hiring process, which hinders building truly diverse teams.

• Inclusion efforts: Creating inclusive workplaces that genuinely support employees from different backgrounds, including different races and sexual orientations, can be challenging.

• Leadership teams: Company leaders often lack diversity, making it hard for marginalized groups to see themselves represented in leadership positions.

• Employee resource groups: While employee resource groups help, they alone cannot address the deep-rooted issues related to ethnic and cultural diversity.

• Diversity metrics: Tracking and measuring the success of diversity initiatives is difficult, especially when trying to develop an inclusive culture across different groups.

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Examples of DEI initiatives

Here are some examples of DEI initiatives that your organization can practice:

1. Diversity training: Organizations develop inclusive work environments by offering diversity training that educates employees on embracing diversity, including gender diversity and sexual orientation.

2. Inclusive leadership programs: Diverse companies encourage employees to develop inclusive leadership skills, leading to more inclusive teams and a positive impact on workplace equity.

3. Employee resource groups: Companies create employee resource groups for key demographics, such as cultural backgrounds and sexual orientation.

4. Inclusive hiring practices: More diverse companies implement inclusive hiring practices to ensure that diverse perspectives and key findings are considered.

5. Pay equity audits: Companies can conduct regular pay equity audits to ensure workplace equity, which has been shown to lead to above-average profitability and a competitive advantage.

How to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

Here are 7 actionable steps that your company can take to develop a more inclusive and diverse workplace:

1. Step 1: Embrace diversity in hiring

   Prioritize creating a more inclusive work environment by actively seeking candidates from key demographic groups. Gender diverse companies tend to outperform others, so make diversity a focus in your recruitment process. Remember, diversity refers to all aspects of identity, including race, gender, and background.

2. Step 2: Provide DEI training for all employees

   Ensure that everyone understands what DEI stands for and why it matters. Regular training helps organizations promote a culture where diversity and inclusion are top priorities. This training should focus on building awareness and offering practical ways to create inclusive environments.

3. Step 3: Promote open communication

   Encourage employees to share their experiences and perspectives to create a more inclusive work environment. Open dialogue helps to identify and address any issues related to equity and inclusion. Organizations develop trust and collaboration when employees feel heard and respected.

4. Step 4: Implement inclusive policies

   Review and update your workplace policies to ensure they support diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes policies around hiring, promotions, and workplace behavior that reflect your commitment to an inclusive environment. Make sure these policies are clear, accessible, and consistently applied.

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5. Step 5: Celebrate cultural differences

   Recognize and celebrate the various cultures and backgrounds represented in your workforce. This can be done through events, educational sessions, and acknowledging significant cultural holidays. Embracing diversity in this way fosters a sense of belonging and respect among employees.

6. Step 6: Create employee resource groups (ERGs)

   Support the formation of ERGs to give employees a platform to connect and discuss shared experiences. These groups can focus on specific aspects of diversity, such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. ERGs are a powerful way to promote a more inclusive work environment and provide support for underrepresented groups.

7. Step 7: Measure and report progress

   Regularly track and report on your diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to ensure continuous improvement. Use metrics to gauge how inclusive your workplace is and identify areas for growth. More than half of successful DEI initiatives involve clear goals and transparent reporting, so make this a priority.

Embracing diversity and inclusion is not just a moral step forward but also a strategic advantage for recruitment and company growth. Additionally, growing evidence shows that companies that uphold their values and support their employees during tough economic periods are more likely to succeed. Thanks to Salary.com's Pay Equity Feature, you can address your DEI issues and many more with the industry's leading pay equity solution.