Are you planning to roll out a diversity, equity and inclusion program but don’t know where to start? From goal setting to DEI training to measurement, these 6 steps can help your organization create and maintain a successful DEI program.

1. Define strategic goals

The first step in building a DEI program is to set strategic goals that clearly identify what the organization wants to accomplish. Boil the list down to a few strategic goals that will have the greatest impact, such as:

  • Increasing representation at multiple levels of the organization
  • Providing training, professional development and promotion opportunities for underrepresented or marginalized groups
  • Implementing equitable and inclusive workplace culture practices

2. Establish a benchmark

Everyone within an organization will be coming to the DEI conversation with a different perspective. To gain a more holistic view of how inclusive an organization is or isn’t, look at the most recent employee engagement survey. This can serve as a benchmark for tracking progress.

3. Get key stakeholders onboard

Securing the commitment of senior leadership is a critical step in rolling out a DEI program. Participation increases when leaders and frontline managers can clearly explain the program’s purpose and the role that every employee plays in its success. Tying the program to the organization’s goals, priorities and professional development objectives helps motivate employees to join the effort.

4. Reinforce DEI values with behavior-based training

The focus on creating a more inclusive work culture requires employees to intentionally change their habits and behavior. Choosing a behavior-based training approach goes beyond simply raising awareness. It involves understanding the different types of behaviors that promote or prevent DEI, and what it means to think and act inclusively — whether interactions are in-person or online. Training should include courses on recognizing and managing unconscious bias — the subconscious stereotypes and preconceived judgments we all have about people — and preventing microaggressions, which often manifest in everyday snubs, slights and gestures.

5. Mix up teams

The understanding and learning that comes from diverse voices, experiences, beliefs and cultures spurs creativity within teams. Invite people of different genders, cultures, backgrounds, ages, abilities and other characteristics to join initiatives and projects. It will generate multiple perspectives, inspire fresh thinking and different approaches to problem-solving.

6. Measure progress

The best way to understand how employees are feeling is to ask them. Employee engagement surveys are excellent tools for measuring employee perceptions on DEI and psychological safety. By comparing survey results against benchmarks, organizations can identify inclusive teams as well as trouble spots. Focus groups, employee resource groups and ongoing conversations are additional ways to gather qualitative information about data trends and the experiences of specific groups of people.

Traliant Insight

The DEI journey is a long one and changes don’t happen quickly or easily. Employees, managers and leaders each have an important part to play in collectively building a workplace culture that everyone can feel proud of and belong to. A well-executed DEI program can provide a strong foundation for positive change if it’s tied to an organization’s strategic goals, clearly communicated, reinforced through training and other learning and development initiatives, and measurable.