Your Business and DEI: Where Do You Sit?
You CAN sit with us. That’s what diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is all about.
Your policies, your processes, and your practices should allow everyone the opportunity to have a seat at the table, as well as be supported and uplifted within your business.
At its core, it’s about removing barriers that hinder and exclude your employees, barriers reinforced through the systems that we live in day in and day out.
So, we’re going to break each concept down and give you a start to examining your business through a DEI lens.
Diversity
Diversity refers to the presence of a variety of differences and similarities within a group, community, or organization. These differences can encompass a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, education, and abilities. This includes both visible and invisible attributes, such as physical appearance, cultural background, and personal experiences.
Diversity is important in your business. Everyone comes to the table with different viewpoints, experiences, and ideas which are created with influence from their upbringing. Every member of your team looking at their work both separately and collectively with varying perspectives will help you understand potential pitfalls and missed opportunities, as well as areas to improve your overall product/service experience in terms of accessibility and messaging.
Equity
Equity and equality are very different concepts. Being equitable takes into account fairness, impartiality, and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and treatment among individuals or groups. This is done by recognizing and addressing disparities and inequalities that may exist due to various factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability, and other characteristics. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances, and that systemic barriers are dismantled to promote equal outcomes.
It takes equality one step further, as equity then creates equality, equitable equality, as equality really can only be achieved through equity because of the systemic and institutionalized barriers embedded into every aspect of our society. Achieving equity often requires proactive measures such as policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices and levelling the playing field for marginalized or underrepresented groups.
Inclusion
Inclusion encompasses creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in decision-making processes, activities, and opportunities. It’s about embracing diversity and recognizing the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that each individual brings to the table. Inclusion goes beyond mere tolerance or acceptance; it requires actively fostering a sense of belonging and equity for everyone, regardless of their differences.
Valuing inclusion in your business means removing barriers to participation, promoting equal access to resources and opportunities, and cultivating a culture of respect, collaboration, and openness.
Being inclusive isn’t a “new” concept, and if you’re reading this rolling your eyes:
Grow up.
Understand that being inclusive is about ensuring everyone has a seat at the table and feels comfortable to sit at the table.
The more comfortable and valued your customers, clients, and team feel with you, the more invested they will be in YOU.
Where to Begin the Work in Your Business
Do a deep dive into your current culture
Use gender-inclusive language
E.g. Use lived names and pronouns
Invest in DEI training & activities
Empower employee resource groups (ERGs)
Introduce peer support systems
Hold all leaders accountable for DEI – not just HR
Revamp your hiring process
Prioritize ongoing education
Every business has people at its core, and people deserve to be valued.
The spotlight on the principles of DEI in the last decade (and that’s even being generous) is about recognizing the lack of in the institution of businesses and understanding the systemic barriers and ignorance that have existed and still exist.
Now ask yourself this:
Are you a champion for DEI?