Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: How to know if you’re doing it right

You and your company have embarked on the adventures of implementing a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) program, and you want to know if you are on the right track. Unfortunately, DEI does not have a magic bullet, but there are a few things you can look at to see if you are headed in the right direction.

It’s Hard

If you are really diving into DEI, you should be having a lot of hard conversations and you will make mistakes. You will be vulnerable, embrace it. When you make a mistake, especially if someone gives you feedback, listen and apologize. As Brene Brown says, “I am here to get it right, not to be right.” 

You’ve Set Metrics

There is no way to measure your progress if you aren’t measuring. Determine what data is important to you and track it consistently. You can track the key demographics, and also track employee satisfaction with DEI. Collect and analyze this data in consistent intervals.

You’re Surveying Your Employees

If you care about the I in DEI, you must survey your employees about how they feel around DEI efforts and company culture. These surveys can take many forms and should be done in a myriad of ways. Check out this blog post where I talk about metrics to use to measure engagement.

You are making systemic changes

Systemic inequality and oppression in the workplace is what holds DEI programs back. 

Have you done an overall assessment of your policies, processes, and procedures? Who are you not supporting internally and externally (during recruiting)? Ensure that these processes are looked at by multiple people with different perspectives.

There is no formula that will ensure you have diverse teams who all feel included and have equitable experiences. This stuff takes work and is an ever changing process. When tackling DEI, ensure you are continuing to learn from people’s experience who are different from yours and be open to changing your perspective. If you keep an open heart and mind, and a willingness to do the work, you will be on the right track.