What does Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mean?
Times are changing with so many varying definitions of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Here we will dive into what diversity, equity, and inclusion really mean. These terms are commonly referred to as DEI. Lately, it’s been referred to as DEIB.
(Don’t worry, I’ll explain the B part of it all.)
I did two videos on my YouTube channel about DEI. The first video titled, “What is DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) and why it is important?” has nearly 6,00 views so far. The second video titled, “Top 6 Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace” has almost 300 views.
I wasn’t expecting to get the type of comments that are coming on these two videos. There have been tons of comments that I’ve reported as harassing, but after talking this over with one of my amazing clients, I decided to stop reporting negative comments.
I figured I should stop hiding the hateful things people say so that the world can stop being naive to how minorities, like myself, have been and are being treated. Now, back to breaking down what DEI means.
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, diversity is a variety or inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc. in a group or organization.
It continues that equity is justice according to natural law or right and that inclusion is the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability).
The most recent trend is belonging. Instead of referring to this as only DEI, many are transforming it to include the state of belonging, as a result, referring to it as DEIB.
Why are diversity and inclusion in the workplace important?
Great Places to Work is one of those resources I got introduced to early in my career and have had an appreciation for the information they provide throughout my entire career. Great Places to Work states that research has shown benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace include:
- Higher revenue growth
- Greater readiness to innovate
- Increased ability to recruit a diverse talent pool
- 5.4 times higher employee retention
It continues that when employees trust that they, and their colleagues, will be treated fairly regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or age, they are:
- 9.8 times more likely to look forward to going to work
- 6.3 times more likely to have pride in their work
- 5.4 times more likely to want to stay a long time at their company
According to LinkedIn, having a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace provides benefits such as:
- An opportunity to eradicate prejudice
- Enhanced levels of creativity and innovation
- A global impact
- Improved profitability
- Boost employee engagement and retention
- Improved company reputation and broader influence
- Enhance brand recognition
- Diversity has become a requirement of top talent
Benefits of Diversity
Showing the importance of DEI in the workplace has already shown us tons of benefits to having a workplace that makes employees feel included. In addition, the top six benefits are:
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Efficiency
- Increased revenue
- Employee engagement
- Company reputation
Click here for full details on how each of these benefits is seen in your organization from an internal and external viewpoint.
Ways to implement DEI strategies in the Workplace
Create a DEI program. Allow employees to volunteer as leaders for these programs then continue to add team members strategically. Some of the ways that this can be done are by creating:
- DEI task force
- Employee resource groups (ERGs)
- DEI Council
- DEI-focused recruiting strategy
Benevity is a platform that helps companies manage and boost employee engagement, the company’s investment in their community, and customer engagement. Benevity gives tips on Modern strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
DEI-focused initiatives will be the foundation for other programs and initiatives that make all employees feel belong. Make sure that they use data, science, and culture to guide them in those initiatives and changes. ADP gives us a deep dive into this with their blog title, Guiding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace with Data and Science
I’m hoping that the comments bring healthy conversations about DEI instead of the hate that’s constantly in the comments on my DEI videos. Either way, I’m open to knowing your thoughts, so meet me in the comments.
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