The essential elements of any good Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - it’s a phrase we hear more and more of every day in Talent Acquisition. But, it’s not just a buzzword. It has a huge impact on the most important element of your company; your employees. 

A diverse and inclusive workplace makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the workplace.

What do Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean?

Diversity

Diversity refers to the differences among people, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and socioeconomic status. Embracing diversity means recognising and valuing these differences and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.

Equity

Equity means ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or identity. This means actively working to eliminate systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged certain groups of people. Equity is different from equality in a small but important way. While equality assumes that all people should be treated the same, equity takes into consideration a person's unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal.

Inclusion‍

Inclusion is the practice of making people feel a sense of belonging at work and how an organisation can embrace all employees from all walks of life to enable them to make meaningful contributions.

Combining these three elements, DE&I is an ethos that recognises the value of diverse voices and emphasises inclusivity and employee well-being as central facets of success. To bring those values to life, companies must implement programs and initiatives that actively make their offices more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces. 

What is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy?

A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy is a set of guidelines and commitments that an organisation or company adopts to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, or any other personal characteristic, are treated with respect and fairness in the workplace.

The policy typically outlines the organisation's values, principles, and strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as specific actions and initiatives that will be taken to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Why should a company have a DEI policy in place?

A DEI policy is no longer just a nice-to-have or an add-on for a business. Your employees and candidates expect you to have robust policies in place. According to a survey conducted by Glassdoor in 2019, 76% of employees and job seekers consider a company's diversity and inclusion efforts when deciding where to work. Additionally, a survey by Harvard Business Review in 2020 found that 67% of job seekers consider a company's diversity and inclusion policies when evaluating job opportunities.

But it's more than just job seekers who want to see where you stand regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. So here are a few more reasons to get your DEI policy up to scratch:

Retaining a diverse workforce

‍Once you've attracted good employees, you want to keep them around. Research has shown that employees are more likely to stay with companies that prioritise DEI, and a diverse workforce can bring various perspectives and ideas that can help drive innovation and business success.

Promoting a positive workplace culture

‍A DEI policy can help create a more positive and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects all employees. This can lead to greater employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.

Meeting customer and client expectations

‍Customers and clients increasingly demand that the companies they do business with prioritise DEI. A company with a strong DEI policy can demonstrate its commitment to these values and build stronger relationships with its customers and clients.

Supporting social responsibility

‍As businesses play an increasingly important role in society, many companies recognise the importance of supporting social responsibility initiatives. A DEI policy can be part of these efforts, demonstrating a company's commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

The essential elements of any good Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy

At BOOSTA, we've seen our share of DEI policies. And we've noticed some essential elements that make up a good one:

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

‍The policy should clearly state the organisation's commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Definitions

‍The policy should define key terms such as diversity, inclusion, equity, discrimination, and harassment to ensure that all employees understand the meaning of these concepts.

Scope and Applicability

‍The policy should specify the scope of the policy and to whom it applies. Whether the policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and customers should be clear.

Prohibited Conduct

‍The policy should clearly outline what conduct is not permitted, including any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on an individual's race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

‍Reporting Mechanisms

‍The policy should outline how employees can report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and the process for investigating and addressing such reports.

Training

‍The policy should require regular employee training on diversity, inclusion, and related topics to increase awareness and understanding of these issues.

Accountability

‍The policy should establish accountability for all employees to ensure they are responsible for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and that there are consequences for violating the policy.

Continuous Improvement

‍The policy should include a commitment to continuously improving diversity and inclusion within the organisation by setting goals, measuring progress, and regularly reviewing the policy.

‍

Ready to learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? Download our Inclusion 101 guide to learn how to make your hiring processes more inclusive.

‍