(Newswire.net — September 28, 2022) — When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), many businesses struggle with how to improve employee and organizational outcomes. Implementing a DEI strategy plan is the key to success. Today, come with us as we outline 8 ways that you can boost your DEI strategy for improved employee and organizational outcomes.
Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are Important in the Workplace
DEI in the workplace is important because it leads to improved business outcomes. DEI-related programs have been shown to increase employee satisfaction and retention rates, while also decreasing instances of discrimination and harassment.
What Is a DEI Strategy Plan and Why Do You Need One
A DEI strategy plan can help businesses create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels like they belong. “DEI strategy plans help businesses to identify DEI goals and objectives, create actionable steps to reach those goals, and measure progress along the way,” encourages Chris Gadek, Head of Growth at AdQuick.
8 Ways to Boost Your DEI Agenda
Creating a DEI strategy plan can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are ten ways that you can boost your DEI agenda:
Define What DEI Means for Your Organization.
What are your goals for DEI? What does inclusion mean to you? Answering these questions will help you develop a clear DEI strategy that everyone in your organization can get behind.
Conduct an Audit of Your Current DEI Practices.
“Take a close look at your current DEI practices and identify areas that need improvement,” suggests John Berry, CEO and Managing Partner at Berry Law. “This will help you focus your DEI strategy on the areas that will have the biggest impact.”
Create a DEI Task Force.
Assemble a group of employees from different backgrounds to work on DEI initiatives. This task force can help develop and implement DEI policies and programs, as well as monitor progress and assess results.
Implement Unconscious Bias Training.
Unconscious bias is a major contributor to workplace inequality. By providing employees with unconscious bias training, you can help them become more aware of their own biases and learn how to avoid letting them influence their decisions.
Increase Diversity in Your Workforce.
A more diverse workforce leads to improved business outcomes. Make an effort to recruit and hire employees from underrepresented groups.
Promote a Culture of Inclusion.
Create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Encourage employees to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
Provide DEI Resources for Employees.
Make DEI resources available to all employees, so they can learn more about the importance of DEI in the workplace and how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.
Evaluate Your Progress.
Regularly evaluate your DEI strategy to ensure that it is effective and makes positive changes in your workplace. Adjust your strategy as needed to achieve better results.
The Benefits of Implementing a DEI Strategy Plan in the Workplace
There are many benefits to implementing a DEI strategy plan in the workplace. According to Karden Rabin, Co-Founder of Chronic Fatigue School, “DEI-related programs have been shown to increase employee satisfaction and retention rates.” This type of strategic plan also decreases instances of discrimination and harassment. A DEI strategy can also help businesses to attract and retain top talent, as well as improve business outcomes.
Who Is Responsible For Implementing A DEI Plan?
DEI plans should be developed and implemented by a team of employees from different backgrounds. This team can help develop and implement DEI policies and programs, as well as monitor progress and assess results. “When it comes to DEI, many businesses struggle with how to improve employee and organizational outcomes,” counsels Brian Munce, Managing Director at Gestalt Brand Lab. “Implementing a DEI strategy plan is the key to success.”
What Is a Chief DEI Officer?
A DEI Chief Officer is responsible for heading up this team and ensuring that the DEI plan is executed effectively. This person is typically responsible for developing DEI strategy, conducting DEI audits, overseeing DEI training, and more.
The Role of Senior Leaders in DEI
Senior leaders play a vital role in DEI initiatives. They are responsible for setting the tone for the organization and ensuring that DEI is a priority. Senior leaders can also help to increase diversity in the workforce and promote a culture of inclusion.
Examples of Successful DEI Plans
There are many examples of successful DEI plans out there. Here are a few that you can use as inspiration for creating your own DEI strategy plan:
The Coca-Cola Company’s DEI Strategy
Coca-Cola has been a leader in DEI for many years. Their new DEI strategy focuses on four key areas: diversity and inclusion, workplace equality, community engagement, and supplier diversity. Their strategy includes many initiatives designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, including unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, and flexible work arrangements.
Google’s DEI Strategy
Google is another company that is well-known for its commitment to DEI. They have several initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including hiring goals for underrepresented groups, unconscious bias training, and support for employee resource groups.
Deloitte’s DEI Strategy
Deloitte is one of the largest professional services firms in the world. They announced a DEI strategy that focuses on three key areas: talent development, client service, and social impact. Their strategy includes a number of initiatives designed to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This includes unconscious bias training, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements.
What’s Next?
Now that you know more about DEI strategy plans, it’s time to start developing your own. DEI strategy plans are important for businesses of all sizes. By taking the time to develop and implement a DEI strategy plan, you can:
- Improve employee satisfaction and retention rates
- Decrease instances of discrimination and harassment
- Attract and retain top talent.
As such, this article has shown that DEI is a business imperative. As implementing a DEI strategy plan is the first step to success. Using the tips and examples in this article to create a DEI strategy that will help improve employee and organizational outcomes.