From Concept to Action: How to Embed and Operationalize DEI in Your Organization

Organizations today are placing greater emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, yet many still face challenges in implementing and advancing these initiatives. While progress has been made, it's clear that there's more work to be done. It's important to understand that increasing diversity alone doesn't automatically lead to inclusion, equity, or improved business outcomes. To truly succeed in the realm of DEI, employers must make a concerted effort to cultivate an inclusive culture that actively supports and invests in the success, development, and growth of their employees.

This imperative is even more pronounced in the wake of the "Great Resignation" and the highly competitive job market. A striking 89% of both current and potential employees emphasize the importance of DEI, with 56% expressing a greater willingness to work for organizations that actively promote it. Therefore, it is increasingly evident that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just a nice-to-have but a critical factor for attracting and retaining talent, ultimately determining an organization's success in 2022 and beyond.

Roselle Rogers, former Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Circa, will delve into actionable steps to examine, operationalize, and integrate DEI into organizational practices, focusing on four key pillars: talent acquisition, performance management, compensation practices, and learning and development. During this discussion, she will address barriers and biases that may be present in each of these areas, highlighting how unintentional bias can creep into the systems and people practices that underpin organizations. Furthermore, practical measures to standardize and incorporate equity and inclusion into policies, practices, and systems will be explored.

Key Takeaways:

• Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) but struggle to put these strategies into action and mature their initiatives.
• Merely increasing representation is insufficient to create a truly inclusive and equitable workplace; building an inclusive culture that invests in employees' success and development is essential.
• In the current competitive job market, 89% of current and prospective employees prioritize DEI, and 56% are more likely to work for organizations that promote it, making a diverse and inclusive workplace crucial for hiring, retention, and success in 2022 and beyond