An increasing number of companies are hiring employees with expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work – specifically the job function known as Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEQI). DEI work can be time-consuming; early career employees should ensure they can manage this workload without burning out quickly.
Individual Contributor
Individual contributors of diversity equity and inclusion jobs are champions who advocate for people from various races, genders and perspectives to work effectively together. This often includes training employees on recognizing and counteracting any unconscious bias that exists in their workplace environment and creating an inclusive work culture where everyone feels welcome and supported.
At times, these individuals will lead employee resource groups or similar initiatives within their organization; however, not everyone who holds this job wants to become a manager – that is fine! Independent Contractors (ICs) should be encouraged to pursue whatever professional paths best suit them while being aware of how crucial they can be in helping create diverse and inclusive workforces in their organizations.
Individuals in this role are charged with advocating and supporting diversity and inclusion policies across all levels of an organization, providing training on issues like microaggressions, implicit bias and systemic racism. It is crucial for them to have both the necessary experience and skillset for fulfilling this role as well as an awareness of historical discrimination to better comprehend any challenges affecting communities they serve.
Although ICs are an integral component of any diversity and inclusion program, they cannot achieve desired outcomes without the support of leadership teams. As such, leaders should communicate their motivation for addressing inequities; acknowledge any barriers encountered; and establish goals to advance greater equity – these actions will give their ICs confidence to take action while showing them that leadership fully backs this effort.
As a result, most ICs view DEI efforts as beneficial. Women in particular tend to agree, with women being more likely than men to hold this opinion. It should be noted however that managers and directors tend to disagree more strongly; only 28% consider it good idea.
Manager
Diversity and inclusion is an intricate issue. To be effective, companies require a dedicated team of employees who work together to identify and remove obstacles to the success of their company’s diverse workforce, such as unconscious biases (stereotypes about others formed without awareness), microaggressions and negative actions taken on these stereotypes (microagressions). Furthermore, companies must foster feelings of belonging among all employees – not only members of minority groups – as research shows workers in inclusive workplaces are more productive, engaged and satisfied in their jobs than those not involved.
Diversity, equity and inclusion managers oversee the overall strategy for their company’s diversity efforts. This can involve anything from creating and delivering training courses to identifying and controlling diversity-related risk factors such as sexual harassment, discrimination, racism and sexism. They may also take responsibility for evaluating how diversity-related initiatives have an impact on business performance.
These positions require effective communication among employees and managers at all levels within their company, including employees themselves and managers. These people may need to respond to inquiries regarding diversity in the workplace or how an HR policy impacts individual employee’s ability to do their job, in addition to writing reports for senior executives in HR or C-suite departments.
Knowledge is power in DEI roles and DEI professionals must possess it to effectively address issues related to people of all ages, backgrounds and identities – such as cultural differences, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identity – as they pertain to both the workplace and wider society. With this understanding comes an ability to use that information in creating strategies which improve performance at companies while at the same time developing leadership abilities within collaborative environments. DEI professionals also need to comprehend the benefits that having a diverse workforce brings; understanding this concept ensures talent retention as well as ensure global challenges can be met effectively by companies worldwide.
Executive
Many employees today seek to have a social impact through their work. This trend is evidenced by an upsurge in job postings for diversity, equity and inclusion managers as employers look for people who can help create or restructure workplace environments that address injustices. Social justice movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have brought to light disparate work environments which create unequal working environments; fuelling this demand further.
As DEI jobs become available, the types of DEI jobs that are becoming available range from entry-level assistant to executive positions. While these specific DEI roles vary considerably in nature, all require employees to demonstrate an appreciation and commitment towards diversity and equality in the workplace.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialists are typically entry-level roles that typically pay between PS18,000 to PS28,000 annually, depending on employer and experience level. Their primary responsibility lies with organizing diversity trainings, workshops and events within their company as well as acting as the point of contact for employees with questions or issues regarding the work environment.
Professionals working in this role may also be responsible for analyzing data derived from employee demographic resources and providing reports to their HR colleagues, C-suite stakeholders or even CFOs. It is crucial that those holding such jobs remain informed on any new laws or regulations which could impede compliance with DEI standards in their company.
Coordinating with internal departments to understand existing diversity initiatives at their organization and providing ongoing support and encouragement of their continued development is also an integral component of this job. This may involve hosting workshops or hosting meetings on accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.
Finally, they may be expected to create a strategic plan that aligns with both their department’s organizational goals and the business objectives of their employer. This requires high-level strategic thinking skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
Director
Companies today are placing greater importance on diversity and inclusion (DEI), an umbrella term covering initiatives designed to ensure employees of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive in their workplaces. Businesses that prioritize DEI often experience greater employee satisfaction, higher productivity, and superior business results than those without such policies in place. When it comes to creating diversity and inclusion departments there is no one size fits all approach; some departments may report directly into DEI while others may have roles reporting back into HR or another department within their company.
Companies typically implement their DEI policies by hiring a chief diversity officer (CDO), who will lead the initiative and collaborate with various departments on implementation initiatives. A CDO can also serve to manage employee resource groups and promote workplace culture within an organization, as well as work with leaders across their organization to ensure everyone understands how to promote an inclusive atmosphere.
One way a company might implement their DEI policy is through employee groups. These may be formed based on external interests or characteristics, like women in business or black employees organizations. Such groups can help newcomers feel welcome at their new company while helping existing staff get to know one another better; however, these groups can sometimes prove controversial; therefore the director of DEI must decide if continuing an ineffective group or starting another one might be best suited for them.
Companies often implement DEI policies by recruiting employee champions as volunteers to lead efforts and act as champions within their organizations. These employees care deeply about changing the status quo within their organization, often due to having personal experience or being committed allies for specific issues or committed allyship. Champions play an invaluable role in any DEI strategy as they help facilitate company goals while serving as sources of motivation for other employees.