Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives allow companies to address injustices that affect workers from diverse demographic backgrounds. Through such programs, these efforts help eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia from their workforces.
DEI jobs can range widely, but most involve managing and organizing diversity presentations, programs and events. DEI careers exist at all levels from entry-level assistants to executive leadership.
Executive leadership
Companies today should make workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) an integral component of their business strategies. Studies show that diverse teams are up to 70% more likely to capture new markets; 34% more likely to experience greater profits; and increase employee satisfaction and retention rates significantly more than non-diverse counterparts.
Senior leadership must lead by example in order to successfully integrate DEI into corporate culture, engaging with employee resource groups and acting as role models within their organizations. Furthermore, finding workers willing to act as DEI sponsors–particularly younger employees–must also be encouraged as this effort moves forward.
As our economy shifts, it has never been more essential for businesses to embrace diversity and inclusion. By doing so, they can attract top talent while creating an inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
Diversity equity and inclusion jobs encompass a range of positions that focus on furthering diversity initiatives, such as senior leaders, HR professionals, community liaisons and training specialists. While typically these roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources or another related field, many employers offer additional training programs designed to develop specific skill sets necessary for specific jobs.
McKinsey studies demonstrate the business case for DEI is strong. Prioritizing diversity can result in improved financial performance as well as greater customer understanding and meeting their needs more efficiently. An inclusive workplace environment can improve customer retention and decision-making processes for an executive team, as well as increase employee support of diversity and inclusion – with most employees believing it to be beneficial to a company. An important element of successfully harnessing diversity lies in creating an inclusive workplace environment that facilitates sharing experiences and perspectives between colleagues. To do this, it’s necessary to foster collaboration while respecting differences among employees.
Human resources
Due to social movements and ongoing global crises, more people are taking a greater interest in diversity equity and inclusion (DEI). People are seeking out businesses that support the community while prioritizing equality for all, creating an opportunity for a new generation of individuals to enter this industry ranging from individual contributors to executive leadership positions. Indeed reports that DEI job postings increased 53% between September 2019 and September 2020 alone!
Employees in DEI roles focus on ensuring all employees are treated fairly and have equal opportunities for success, by implementing programs to foster collaboration among people of different races, genders, viewpoints and political affiliations. It also involves addressing any forms of discriminatory behavior like harassment and sexism as well as advocating for workplace equality within their community.
Job market activity related to DEI careers is growing, and this could become a higher priority in many companies in the future. Companies may create dedicated DEI departments or incorporate this responsibility into the human resources department’s remit, since DEI initiatives often relate to employee relations, culture and training.
Companies that place great importance on DEI will likely have a dedicated recruitment team for finding diverse candidates, using various techniques like print ads, job boards and networking events to find candidates with diverse backgrounds. Some recruitment teams might even include specialists dedicated to finding such hires.
Recruitment recruiters aim to bring diverse individuals into an organization, which will contribute to its long-term success. They may also conduct surveys to measure the success of diversity and inclusion efforts compared to similar businesses; benchmarks may help pinpoint areas for improvement but it’s essential not become fixated on hitting those numbers.
Training & development
Diversity equity and inclusion isn’t something one person should attempt to manage on their own; therefore, many positions in diversity equity and inclusion involve working collaboratively with various departments and teams to advocate for the benefits of having a diverse workforce. Individual contributors in these roles are responsible for recruiting staff members that reflect today’s culture; checking job ads for bias-free postings; and handling complaints internally when someone feels discriminated against.
Teaching employees how to be more inclusive leaders is another essential component of this type of role. This means empowering everyone within your organization to voice their ideas in meetings and being understanding toward those who may not speak up as often.
People in these positions also strive to promote policies that make it easier for members of underrepresented groups to find a place within your workplace, such as setting up affinity groups where employees from similar backgrounds can meet and discuss mutual interests. Furthermore, these professionals may help create trainings and workshops on topics like race identity, social identity and privilege.
As workplace diversity increases, more employers are acknowledging the need to hire individuals into DEI roles – leading to a surge of DEI-related jobs on Indeed in recent years.
If you want to learn more about what skills and qualifications will be needed for a career in diversity and inclusion, speak with an enrollment counselor from WGU. They’d be more than happy to provide more details on the various degrees available, such as bachelor’s or master’s programs in diversity and inclusion leadership.
As part of your pursuit to create more inclusive workplaces, you’ll also require good communication and analytical thinking skills in order to succeed in this area. These will allow you to effectively explain the advantages of diversity and inclusion to senior leaders, staff members, stakeholders, as well as creating engaging presentations and leading effective training sessions.
Marketing
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has rapidly evolved from marketing buzzword to an integral component of workplace fairness. Now more than ever before millennials and Gen Z job seekers assess companies by their track records on DEI, while employees seek opportunities within organizations which prioritize diversity and inclusion.
An effective diversity and inclusion strategy requires careful planning and execution from companies, taking time to train managers on how to identify and eliminate bias as well as creating employee resource groups to make sure all employees feel welcome and valued.
As part of an overall marketing strategy to raise employee awareness of and educate them on the importance of welcoming diverse perspectives, a robust marketing plan should include social media campaigns, employee training sessions and workshops on topics such as microaggressions, implicit bias and systemic racism.
Businesses should prioritize creating inclusive environments in their supply chains to foster customer loyalty and create a stronger brand image. This may involve working with suppliers that hire diverse staff, supporting employee resource groups in the community, or hosting cultural awareness events.
Finally, an effective marketing strategy must include reaching out to minority communities to spread the company’s message and encourage involvement. This can be accomplished by sending outreach emails, hosting social media events or partnering with local charities.
While many businesses struggle with how to implement and approach diversity and inclusion plans, it’s evident that it’s essential for creating an inclusive culture. To make employees feel welcome in the workplace, have a team of advocates that lead by example and help navigate corporate culture’s tricky waters – early career professionals in particular can play an essential role in shaping its future by shaping and leading others forward in their respective companies.