7 tips for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

The value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) practices in the workplace cannot be overstated. Organizations that prioritize an inclusive culture and diverse perspectives are not only better positioned to innovate and adapt, but to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.  

From healthcare to professional services, private to public sector, and beyond, it is important to embrace inclusivity in every way possible to shape a future where diversity is expected, and equity is built into our foundations.

What is diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)?

Organizations that prioritize DE&I practices often experience improved innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall performance. However, implementing DE&I practices requires more than just good intentions—it demands actionable strategies and commitment from leadership.

First, let’s explore what diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace looks like.  

• Diversity includes differences like race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. In a diverse workplace, employees bring unique perspectives to enrich decision making and foster innovation.
• Equity ensures fair treatment and levels the playing field by addressing systemic barriers. It acknowledges that people start with different advantages and aims to provide resources or opportunities based on individual needs.
• Inclusion means creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. It actively cultivates a sense of belonging, encourages diverse voices to speak and be heard, and promotes collaboration.

DE&I fosters a workplace culture that celebrates differences, promotes fairness and equality, and empowers every individual to participate. By prioritizing DE&I practices, organizations not only attract and retain top talent, but cultivate innovation, creativity, and resilience—necessary qualities for success in today's global marketplace. 

Promoting DE&I in the Workplace

How do you implement DE&I best practices? Here are seven tips for leaders to navigate and excel in their DEI efforts: 

1. Set measurable goals and track progress

You can’t address inequities if you don’t know they’re there. To effectively gauge your organization's DE&I baseline and progress, it's crucial to establish measurable goals and consistently track your performance against them. These goals should include recruitment targets and representation benchmarks at all levels of the business.  

An obvious factor to consider is salary. If you’re serious about paying your employees fairly, a pay equity analysis is crucial. Pay equity ensures employees receive equal pay for performing the same or similar work, regardless of factors like gender, sexuality, or race.

Conducting a pay equity analysis helps identify and address any unjustifiable pay disparities, ensuring fair compensation based on merit and not bias.  

By evaluating data in areas such as salary, attrition rates, promotion trends, and employee feedback, leaders can identify areas for improvement and tailor their DE&I approach accordingly. 

Download Our 2024 Salary Guides to Help You Benchmark 

2. Build inclusion into Your Hiring Process

DE&I shouldn't be an afterthought in the recruitment process, but rather a foundational element of your organizational culture. Start by addressing any existing inclusion barriers within your company before embarking on new hires.  

At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on how we bring first-hand insights into the challenges and barriers underrepresented individuals face in our recruitment process.  

From recruitment to consultancy, addressing the specific needs of our clients is paramount. Our organization prioritizes:

• Finding diverse talent
• Understanding and tackling unconscious bias
• Creating inclusive job descriptions 
• Inclusive shortlisting and interviewing 
• Continuous improvement and project support from bia training to policy audits 

We take pride in our proactive approach to talent acquisition, reflected in our extensive and diverse network. Whether you're expanding your talent pool or enhancing inclusivity, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to support your objectives effectively. We advertise roles across diverse job boards and provide support to every candidate throughout the process, ensuring they can perform at their best. 

3. Foster open dialogue

Encourage employees to share their experiences and perspectives through various forums and channels. Create safe spaces for conversation, like Teams or Slack groups, employee resource groups, or company events to foster empathy, understanding, and cultural awareness. Organizations can cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture by amplifying diverse voices and narratives. 

4. Hold Leaders Accountable

Leadership accountability is paramount in driving meaningful DE&I change. Establish clear expectations for executives and managers regarding their roles in advancing DE&I goals to help foster a culture of responsibility and transparency.

Implement processes to hold leaders accountable for progress, whether it's through performance evaluations, pay equity assessments, or diversity metrics tied to promotions and remuneration. 

5. Encourage Feedback and Address Concerns

Create avenues for employees to voice concerns and provide feedback on DE&I-related issues. Cultivate an environment in which speaking up is encouraged, and concerns are met with empathy and action. Whether this is through anonymous surveys, feedback tools, or exit interviews, soliciting input helps leaders identify systemic issues and address them proactively. 

6. Challenge Assumptions and Cultural Norms

Examine existing policies and cultural norms that may inadvertently perpetuate bias or exclusion. Whether it's revisiting dress codes, re-evaluating promotion criteria, or helping people understand unconscious bias, challenge assumptions that hinder inclusivity. Empower employees to be able to express their authentic selves at work, free from judgment or discrimination. 

7. Elevate the Role of DE&I Leadership

Empower DE&I leaders to influence strategic decisions, advocate for diverse talent, and champion initiatives that promote equity and belonging. Include DEI leaders in decision making and give them the necessary resources and support to drive meaningful change. Elevate the status of DE&I leadership to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.  

Need help building diverse and inclusive teams?

Making DE&I a priority isn't just the right thing to do—it's crucial for organizations aiming to succeed and remain relevant in today's world.

Michael Page offers recruitment services and consultancy solutions that are tailored to your organization's unique needs and goals. From attracting diverse talent to fostering an inclusive workplace culture, we're committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We're here to help you with DEI, so you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.  If you’d like to learn more or speak to an expert consultant about a specific project, reach out to our team.