If an organization thinks that hiring and promoting diverse individuals is enough, it’s NOT.  Yes, that is a step in the right direction, but that is only a piece of the puzzle.  Organizations must focus on developing a diversity and inclusion strategy that shows the organization’s values and commitment toward advancing diversity and inclusion. 

Diversity

Diversity in the workplace in basic terms is when organizations bring together similarities and differences between individuals based on characteristics such as race, age, gender, gender identity socioeconomic background, culture, language, sexual orientation (*Note that these are not all inclusive, but merely examples.)

It’s fine to look to recruit diverse individuals or to promote more women, but that’s only a start. 

A blog updated on August 18, 2022, by Vantage Circle addresses ten trends in diversity and inclusion:

1.   An evolving remote workforce

2.   Enabling diverse gender identity and gender expression

3.   Multigenerational workforce

4.   Eliminating unconscious bias in the workplace

5.   Gearing up for systemic change

6.   Diversity, equity, and inclusion

7.   Hiring diversity professionals

8.   Increased transparency in goals

9.   Supporting employees' mental health

10.   Looking beyond tokenism

This is a perfect example of why it’s just not enough to hire and promote individuals.  There is more to the puzzle.  You must decide on what your values are or what they are going to be and put a strategy in place that supports those values.  All of the above should then be addressed. 

Inclusion

Inclusion is when an equal opportunity to be successful is felt by all employees.  Employees need to feel that they “fit” into the culture of an organization and that they are able to bring their authentic selves to work each and every day.  The organization is responsible for creating a positive organizational culture where all employees feel included.  Below are some tips on how to build and foster an inclusive environment:

1. Communicate openly with all employees

2. Create an environment of trust and respect by creating safe spaces for employees to speak openly without fear of being reprimanded or shut out

3. Provide opportunities for growth and development

4. Recognize different perspectives and allow all employees a voice

5. Host inclusive events for all employees to get to know each other

6. Host team building activities for employees to work together

7. Reassess your efforts regularly

Developing a strategy for diversity and inclusion is imperative for any small, mid-size, or large organization.  If your organization does not have one, it’s time to get on board.  Organizations must be committed to advancing diversity AND inclusion.  You can hire and promote diverse individuals every day, but if they do not feel included, they may leave for another organization where they will feel included.

If you are interested in creating a DEI&B strategy or taking a look at your current strategy to identify opportunities, contact IntegriStar for a consultation!