Many individuals new to diversity equity and inclusion can feel daunted by its terminology. Although many terms appear interchangeable, each term actually carries its own special significance.
Understanding DEI differences is vital if your organization wants to effectively incorporate DEI practices and culture into its culture and practices, making sure all people feel valued.
Diversity
Diversity refers to the variety of perspectives represented on a team, which may include race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, education background socioeconomic status upbringing and work experience. Inclusion refers to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone feels welcome while contributing towards organizational success; these elements work hand in hand in creating an holistic view of people that is vital in today’s globalized economy.
Organizations that prioritize diversity and embrace new ideas are better equipped to innovate and compete in the marketplace. Studies have found that companies with more female leaders tend to outperform those with less female representation in leadership positions. McKinsey research demonstrates this trend – companies in the top quartile for gender and ethnic/cultural diversity are more likely to experience above-average profits compared to companies in the bottom quartile.
Employees recognize the advantages of diversity, and want their employers to prioritize it. A majority of employees (56%) believe focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion at work is a positive thing – this sentiment extending across key demographic and partisan lines with women more likely than men expressing this viewpoint (61% vs 50%).
However, while most workers support such initiatives, some hold mixed views regarding them – some believe them a waste of time while others see competitive advantages from taking part. Reasons behind such disparate opinions vary and complexity exists here as well.
Unconscious bias may also play a part in these dynamics. Furthermore, it may be challenging to measure the results of diversity initiatives and an emotional tax that employees from marginalized groups must pay in order to feel welcome at work can add another element.
Though diverse and inclusive workforces present challenges, their benefits far outweigh any costs. One way of increasing DEI in an organization is through setting specific goals and targets to drive DEI forward; this will enable your company to attract talent while meeting business objectives more efficiently.
Equity
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are important values that help businesses flourish. Although most people associate DEI with race, gender or demographic categories, its definition encompasses much broader social identities such as religion, culture, ability and sexual orientation.
Diversity addresses differences within a community or population, while inclusion refers to making sure all members feel welcomed and included at every aspect of life. While equality refers to treating everyone equally, equity takes into account how certain communities and groups may have historically been discriminated against, assuring everyone accesses resources and opportunities equally.
Inclusion is an integral component of workplace success because it gives employees a sense of belonging. Furthermore, inclusion helps create an optimal work environment by eliminating discrimination and creating an atmosphere of respect. Studies demonstrate that employees who feel included at their workplaces tend to be happier and more productive; similarly organizations with a strong commitment to DEI tend to experience greater success than those without one.
Employers that prioritize DEI in their workforce appreciate how it promotes new perspectives and inspires creativity, reduces risks of bias and discrimination in hiring practices, keeps bright candidates from being overlooked due to race or gender bias, meets customer demands by recruiting diverse candidates while creating a pleasant work experience for all employees.
At 15Five, our aim is to be an equitable organization that encourages diversity in the workplace. Although this may take an effort on our part, we have implemented tools such as employee resource groups and mentoring programs that support employee success within our workplace, as well as trainings on diversity-related subjects like equity and inclusion.
Though there is no single approach to DEI, its implementation is integral for business success. Though change may seem cumbersome and uncomfortable at times, its rewards make any efforts worth while.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the final element of diversity and inclusion, and involves making every employee feel like they belong in their workplace. It involves listening to employees as individuals while respecting their diverse backgrounds, perspectives and ideas. Inclusion transforms diversity from an aim worth reaching into fuel for a company’s continued success.
Diversity without inclusion is a recipe for failure. Although recruiting more people of color, women, non-binary individuals or LGBTQ+ staffers is essential to creating an inclusive workplace culture, recruiting alone will not lead to employee buy-in. Businesses need to change policies, raise awareness and provide an environment in which everyone feels welcomed if they want employees who care for the company to invest themselves into its success.
One way to promote inclusivity is through providing training and resources that enable managers to better comprehend and appreciate the experiences and identities of their employees, including providing training on unconscious bias (unconscious stereotypes about others that form outside one’s conscious awareness) and microaggressions, which are negative behaviors that isolate and harm individuals. Inclusion also involves training on how to be an effective ally while creating employee networks which create opportunities for employees across differences to connect.
Even when businesses implement a sound DEI plan, external events can still have a substantial effect on how inclusive an organisation is. For example, COVID-19 could have altered who was considered part of a team; or new hiring practices and policies could alter how some groups are treated at work.
D&I goes beyond making all employees feel welcome at work; inclusion also refers to helping each person reach their full potential. This requires creating an environment in which employees feel free to express themselves as authentically as they want at work and supporting their professional and personal goals; eliminating barriers such as cultural or religious practices, gender identity issues, pregnancy complications or physical limitations from becoming obstacles for success and so forth.
Although gauging how inclusive your company is can be a challenging endeavor, setting clear and measurable goals will enable you to track progress effectively while assuring that efforts being put in are meaningful and productive. For easier feedback from employees anonymously.
Belonging
Belonging is an integral component of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. Employees who feel part of their organization tend to be happier in their work and less likely to leave. Belonging is achieved by creating opportunities for all individuals within an organization as well as by acknowledging and appreciating achievements. Furthermore, belonging means addressing unconscious biases (both explicit and implicit) which affect decision-making as well as creating policies which make all employees feel welcome in the workplace.
Belonging requires companies to understand the needs of their workers, and find new ways of supporting them. This may require conducting psychologically safe interviews and focus groups so as to gain a better insight into how background influences your workers’ experiences in work, creating a stronger sense of belonging among employees.
Some individuals may struggle to feel welcome at work because of their gender identity or an issue they care deeply about; these issues can make them feel like an outsider and affect both performance and mental health in negative ways. To create an inclusive workplace culture and promote belonging for employees, encourage sharing of stories from employees. Once identified issues are taken action on promptly.
Many companies recognize the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion for their business; however, many fail to acknowledge how crucial it is for employees to feel a sense of belonging within their team – thus diminishing any meaningful results from their efforts.
Building an inclusive workplace culture is vital to business success. Benefits associated with diversity and inclusion include increased revenue, customer reach, employee retention rates and revenue growth. Furthermore, companies who prioritize diversity are better placed to meet customer demands of varying types.
Companies should recognize the link between diversity and inclusion (D&I) and productivity, according to research, and productivity, innovation and engagement levels in companies with high levels of D&I participation.
Successful organizations prioritize diversity and inclusion (D&I), foster an inclusive workplace culture and offer meaningful opportunities to their employees for success.