Wondering what is DEI and why it’s essential for your organization? This blog breaks down the core elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and offers actionable strategies to help you build a more inclusive and thriving employee experience.
DEI is increasingly a top priority for organizations around the world. 85% of organizations track and report on DEI metrics for employees and leadership, according to Gartner, and 76% of HR professionals report their organization has a dedicated DEI team or department.
Many organizations begin their journey by asking, “What is DEI, and how can we make it a cornerstone of our culture?” For professionals in HR, employee experience, and internal communications, DEI principles guide efforts to build environments that foster collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging.
DEI principles are critical for creating a positive employee experience. Employees who feel seen, heard, and supported are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with their organizations.
A commitment to DEI fosters a sense of trust and belonging, which translates into improved collaboration and higher morale. According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity on executive teams are 39% more likely to outperform financially compared to those in the bottom quartile, while companies with low diversity are increasingly facing financial underperformance.
The essential internal communications guide
How can you get started on DEI? Embedding DEI into communication strategies is an effective way to reinforce the organization’s values and align them with employees’ expectations.
How to understand diversity, equity, and inclusion
DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, is a framework that helps organizations create workplaces where all employees feel valued and supported. It’s three core elements are interconnected yet distinct in their focus and purpose. Understanding their nuances is crucial for fostering meaningful and sustainable progress.
What is diversity in DEI?
Diversity refers to the range of unique identities, backgrounds, and perspectives present in an organization. This includes attributes like race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, ability, and more.
In a professional setting, diversity goes beyond representation. It also means creating opportunities for employees to share their unique viewpoints and ensuring that different perspectives influence decision-making processes.
Diversity enriches workplace culture and strengthens relationships by promoting understanding and collaboration. The Boston Consulting Group found that when employees believe DEI to be a corporate leadership priority, the number of all employees who are happy increases 31% and motivation increases nearly 25%.
What is equity in DEI?
Equity ensures that workplace systems and processes support fairness by recognizing and addressing individual needs. Equity is about leveling the playing field, so all employees can have opportunities to succeed, regardless of their starting points or challenges.
Recent Gallup studies highlight notable disparities in workplace experiences among employees of diverse racial, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds:
- Seventy-five percent of Black employees in the U.S. who were discriminated against in the past year say it was due to their race, compared with 42% of White employees.
- Women report higher on-the-job burnout than men, and that gap has widened since the pandemic — from a three-percentage-point gap in 2019 to an eight-point gap in 2021.
- Seventeen percent of LGBT employees strongly agree that their employer cares about their wellbeing, 10 points lower than for non-LGBT employees.
For professionals managing employee experience, equity might mean creating policies that address pay gaps, providing career advancement programs tailored to different groups, or ensuring that resources are accessible to everyone.
The essential internal communications guide
Prioritizing equitable practices in the workplace helps build trust and strengthens employee engagement by ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
What is inclusion in DEI?
Inclusion focuses on creating environments where all employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Unlike diversity, which focuses on representation, inclusion is about cultivating a sense of belonging and ensuring every voice is heard.
Inclusive workplace cultures actively encourage participation and create spaces where individuals feel safe to share their ideas. For HR and communication teams, this might involve fostering open dialogue, addressing unconscious bias in messaging, or celebrating different cultures and traditions.
Ultimately, inclusion ensures that everyone feels they are a valued part of the team, contributing to a culture of respect and collaboration.
DEI strategies for the workplace
When employees and leadership ask, “What is DEI?”, they are often looking for both clarity and actionable steps. Building DEI into the workplace requires intentionality and a commitment to consistency.
To integrate equity into workplace practices, it is essential to focus on creating fair opportunities and access for all employees. Equitable communication ensures that everyone, regardless of their role or location, receives the same information and opportunities. This may involve using tools and processes that standardize access to resources and updates. Additionally, feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or one-on-one conversations, can uncover areas where inequities persist, allowing organizations to address these gaps effectively.
Effective DEI strategies involve creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute. Anonymous feedback channels can encourage employees to share concerns or suggestions without fear of judgment, fostering a sense of safety and openness. Celebrating cultural milestones or personal achievements further reinforces a culture of recognition and appreciation, making employees feel seen and valued. Open forums or town halls also provide opportunities for employees to voice their thoughts and engage in meaningful workplace discussions, ensuring every perspective is considered.
The essential internal communications guide
It is also crucial to highlight and celebrate differences within the organization. Sharing employee stories and achievements is one way to promote a sense of inclusion and demonstrate a commitment to valuing all perspectives. Inclusive communication design also plays a crucial role; features like language accessibility or alternative formats for visual content ensure that employees of all abilities can fully engage with workplace materials.
By incorporating these practices, organizations can build a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive, benefiting employees and the organization as a whole.
Actionable DEI strategies to consider:
- Audit communication materials: Regularly review internal communications for bias or exclusionary language. Ensure content is accessible and resonates with a wide range of employees.
- Highlight employee resource groups (ERGs): Promoting ERGs through newsletters or employee spotlights encourages participation and demonstrates organizational support for diverse communities.
- Provide inclusive language training: Equip communication teams with tools and training to craft messaging that reflects diversity and fosters inclusivity.
- Gather feedback regularly: Feedback channels, such as anonymous surveys or focus groups, can help gauge the effectiveness of DEI initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Celebrate diversity: Share stories that highlight employee achievements, cultural celebrations, or milestones. Recognizing these moments reinforces a sense of inclusion.
How technology can help advance DEI strategies
While DEI is driven by people and culture, technology can provide useful support in achieving these goals. Tools that centralize resources, streamline communication, and encourage collaboration can help organizations maintain transparency and foster a sense of connection across diverse teams.
For example:
- Platforms that enable employees to share their stories and experiences help create a richer, more inclusive narrative within the organization.
- Centralized hubs for resources, such as training materials or policy updates, ensure all employees have equal access to essential information.
- Data insights, such as participation rates in feedback surveys or resource use, can highlight areas where additional effort may be needed to address inequities.
When implemented thoughtfully, technology becomes a practical ally in achieving DEI goals, helping organizations scale their efforts and track their progress over time.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in modern workplaces
Asking “What is DEI?” is the first step toward building a workplace that reflects these essential values.
As workplaces adapt to evolving employee expectations and global challenges, DEI continues to play a critical role. Organizations that actively integrate DEI principles are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, build resilient teams, and foster innovation.
For HR, employee experience, and communication professionals, fostering DEI is essential to building trust, driving engagement, and promoting innovation. This means staying attuned to employee needs and ensuring that DEI is a visible and consistent priority. By integrating DEI into every level of the organization, teams can create cultures that not only reflect the diversity of their workforce but also empower employees to contribute meaningfully to shared goals.
By embedding DEI into communication strategies, promoting equitable access to resources, and cultivating inclusive environments, organizations can create lasting change that benefits employees and the business alike.
DEI is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing journey that requires commitment, effort, and continuous improvement. With intentionality and collaboration, organizations can ensure that DEI remains at the heart of their workplace culture, guiding them toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
