Promoting DEIA is synonymous with doing the right thing: Every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. By promoting DEI, organizations can reap a number of benefits, ranging from low staff turnover to improved brand reputation.
One of the most important things that organizations can do is to promote DEIA. Initial recommendations:
A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) policy is a document that outlines an organization's commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. A good policy should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be specific and measurable.
Tips for Creating a DEIA Policy:
Help employees understand DEI's importance and cover topics like unconscious bias, microaggressions, and allyship.
DEI Training Tips:
A Diversity and Inclusion council is a group of employees who oversee an organization's DEI initiatives. The council helps develop and implement DEI policies and programs and serves as a resource for employees who have questions or concerns about DEIA.
Empower the council to make a real difference by giving them authority to make decisions and take action.
Tracking DEIA metrics is an important part of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. It helps organizations:
Commonly Tracked DEIA Metrics:
Organizations may also track other metrics specific to their industry or company. For example, a hospital may track the percentage of patients who are seen by providers from underrepresented groups.
When measuring DEI metrics, it's important to set
SMART goals and objectives (specific,
measurable,
achievable,
relevant, and
time-bound). SMART goals can ensure that DEI initiatives are focused and real progress is being achieved.
Organizations can celebrate D&I by hosting events and activities that showcase the Diversity of the workforce. Here are a handful of ideas for celebrating DEI in the workplace.
Organizations need to hold employees accountable for their actions. To start:
Your organization's DEI policy sets clear expectations for all employees, including behavior, language, and decision-making. It should also outline the process for addressing violations.