Organizations that place a strong DEI focus experience better financial results, are more innovative and agile, have happier employees who tend to stay longer at their job and are less likely to leave.
However, to see real impactful change, it’s critical that individuals understand the difference between diversity, inclusion, and equity. Here is what each term means:.
Diversity
Diversity encompasses human differences that span race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social class, physical ability/attributes, national origin and political beliefs. Diversity should be celebrated and welcomed into workplace environments to enhance productivity.
Diversity initiatives require leadership commitment and involvement for them to be effective. Leaders should reflect the demographics of their workforce by setting an example that all employees feel appreciated for their contributions – which may prove challenging, particularly where there are cultural differences; but the payoff is significant: studies demonstrate that companies with greater gender and racial diversity perform financially better than those without them.
Many individuals feel uneasy with the term “diversity,” as it can trigger those who feel oppressed or mistreated due to their identities. These are typically those with histories of marginalization by systems of power – such as those which prioritize whiteness or maleness – who see themselves as dominant groups. To address this problem, some organizations opt to use terms like equity or inclusivity instead of diversity when designing programs and policies in order to avoid any stigmatized associations associated with prioritizing “diversity first.”
Inclusion extends beyond hiring candidates from underrepresented groups; it involves making sure these newly hired employees feel welcome and supported once hired, such as by providing unconscious bias training, mentoring programs and flexible work arrangements to meet family obligations or meet personal goals. It can also mean making sure women, people with disabilities, people of color and other underrepresented groups are given equal voice at decision making tables where their ideas and skills can be contributed freely.
Measuring how successfully a company executes its DEIB strategy is critical. Metrics such as hiring and retention figures as well as annual employee surveys that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEIB) can give a good indication of its progress. Technologies like Findem’s diversity dashboards which track how gender, generations, races and veterans are represented within its talent pool may alert HR teams of any issues that need attention.
Equity
Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential concepts in creating an equitable workplace and society. Diversity refers to differences among people while equity refers to all people having equal access to resources without discrimination; inclusion is about creating an atmosphere which feels welcoming and respectful – each concept plays a part in making sure each succeeds.
DEI strategies make good business sense: they promote positive workplace experiences, enhance business results and attract the best talent, as well as help attract them. A diverse and inclusive workforce can also better meet customer needs through problem-solving. But an effective diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plan should go beyond hiring and retention; instead it should address potential barriers to success as well.
Many companies experience difficulty reconciling the policies promoting diversity and inclusion with reality of their operations. For example, an organization might hire employees from multiple groups; however, if it fails to give equal support and opportunities for all its workers then its inclusive policies cannot claim credibility.
Another challenge associated with DEI initiatives is their need to become integral parts of an organization, rather than isolated programs or campaigns. To effectively do this, leadership must demonstrate their dedication to DEI initiatives by cultivating a culture of inclusivity within their workplace and by including equitable practices into organizational frameworks such as talent screening, hiring practices and workplace standards.
Good news is that most workers view DEI efforts as positive. Millennials especially value this emphasis; they’re more likely to stay with employers who prioritize diversity and inclusion, cutting turnover costs in the process and keeping employees happier and engaged for longer. Furthermore, more diverse companies tend to be more profitable; one McKinsey study discovered that companies in the top quartile for ethnic, racial, and gender diversity achieved 36% greater financial performance targets while another Gartner research report discovered more inclusive companies were 20% more likely to meet or surpass revenue goals.
Inclusion
Inclusion, which forms part of DEI’s acronym, involves creating an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and have an equal voice. This goes beyond simply welcoming diversity into the workplace – inclusion encompasses everything from providing employees access to resources and opportunities as well as encouraging collaboration among diverse groups of people, to combatting microaggressions and biases both individually and institutionally.
Inclusive organizations tend to be more successful and engaged than their non-inclusive counterparts, more innovative, productive, responsive to changing customer needs, and better equipped to adapt. To accomplish these goals, businesses should recognize diversity as a core value both within their recruiting practices as well as organizational cultures.
Inclusion is at the heart of creating a fully inclusive society and requires a deep appreciation of difference, an adherence to equitable policies and an awareness of power dynamics and privilege. It involves acknowledging our unique characteristics while understanding that communities that celebrate diversity will be stronger, richer and more sustainable than those which ignore those with different viewpoints or identities.
Though definitions of inclusion can differ, most agree it refers to how individuals feel valued and recognized for their contributions, supported in their efforts and fully participating in all aspects of an organization. It should be seen as a process rather than an end state that can be achieved solely through policies or programs.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI) are key components of both democracy and healthy economies. When organizations put a focus on DEI initiatives they’re more likely to attract talented employees while meeting customer demands in an international marketplace.
Start making small changes now to create an environment that’s more diverse, equitable, and inclusive at work. Hire from a wider pool of candidates; use blind resumes; include an inclusion statement in job postings; use inclusive hiring tools such as coding interviews.
Belonging
Employee engagement and productivity increase when employees feel like they belong at work. Belonging is at the center of inclusion, and can be accomplished by encouraging diversity within an inclusive work culture that embraces diverse perspectives and identities. In essence, belonging is central to employee satisfaction and success and ultimately has a direct correlation to business results; Culture Amp conducted a survey that revealed companies which prioritize belonging experienced greater engagement, productivity, retention and more positive business results than companies which prioritise it less heavily.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are often used interchangeably; however they’re distinct concepts. DEI refers to an umbrella term covering an array of policies and practices designed to foster and support an inclusive workforce; this may include recruiting efforts focused on diverse candidates as well as measures taken to provide every person an equal chance to excel within their workplace environment.
Diversity refers to the unique aspects that make each person distinctive, such as race, ethnicity, religion, creed, language, age, gender identity and sexual orientation. Diversity encompasses cultural elements that help make people who they are.
Inclusion refers to the practice of providing every individual access to opportunities, resources and rewards in their workplace, regardless of background or circumstances. It involves recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential; equity does not refer to equal treatment but instead focuses on conditions which give certain groups advantages over others.
While businesses understand the value of diversity, many overlook its intersection with inclusion. Without concerted efforts toward both factors simultaneously, businesses risk quickly falling behind; diversity without inclusion is useless; inclusion without diversity may prove counterproductive.
Your company should incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion components into its culture by setting targets and providing training on unconscious bias and microaggressions. Mentorship programs that connect underrepresented employees to career development opportunities. Finally, using inclusive hiring practices such as blind resumes or job postings can attract more diverse candidates to your workforce.