Essential DEI Resources for Every Workplace
Establishing a DEI program can be complex and overwhelming.
To make the process easier for you, we have provided 11 must-have resources you’ll need to create a successful DEI program in your organization:
DEI Resources Toolkit for Your DEI Program
DEI Statement
A DEI statement is a declaration by an organization of its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. It is helpful in clarifying the organization’s intent regarding DEI and for uniting employees to work toward this shared commitment collectively.
For inspiration, consider Apple’s DEI statement: “We belong. Together. We’re continuing to create a culture of inclusion, increasing representation across teams, and holding ourselves accountable at every level. Because belonging takes all of us.”
✅Leverage our FREE DEI commitment statement template to create a statement for your organization.
2. DEI Policy
The foundation of an effective DEI program is a well-written DEI policy. This policy should clearly articulate the organization's commitment to DEI, establish the enforcement of DEI-related policies, and define the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in supporting the program.
For example, at CultureAlly our policy begins with a clear statement of purpose, “This policy affirms CultureAlly’s commitment to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive organizational culture that encompasses our legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities.”
If your organization already has a DEI policy, there are numerous opportunities to enhance it. Consider assessing and auditing your policy's effectiveness in addressing each of the three core factors: diversity, equity, and inclusion.
✅ Explore our full sample and access our FREE DEI policy template.
3. DEI Survey
DEI surveys gather valuable insights regarding your organization's current DEI performance. These insights may include representation figures and the assessment of employees' perceptions of the organizational culture.
This data serves as a crucial benchmark for evaluating your progress toward diversity goals as you start implementing more DEI initiatives.
✅To help you get started, we've provided our FREE DEI survey template.
4. Land Acknowledgment
A land acknowledgment is a statement that publicly recognizes and respects the Indigenous people and the traditional land upon which an event is taking place or where the organization is situated.
Land acknowledgements are important because it honors the history, culture, and ongoing presence of Indigenous communities while acknowledging the injustices they have faced.
✅Use our FREE land acknowledgment guide to write one specific to your organization.
5. DEI Calendar
Recognizing diverse cultural, religious, or national observances is crucial as it signifies the organization's respect for the diverse backgrounds and identities of its employees, promoting a sense of belonging for all.
✅Stay informed about upcoming observances and events by subscribing to our FREE monthly DEI calendar for regular updates:
6. DEI Training
After you’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge from consulting our resources, the question arises: how can you translate this information into tangible results in your workplace?
Providing DEI training on various topics, including unconscious bias, anti-racism, and more.
Hosting in office events such as diversity hackathons to encourage learning and engagement.
7. Glossary of DEI Terminology
In the world of DEI, ignorance is certainly not bliss.
DEI may be confusing to beginners with countless terms and acronyms. Whether you're looking to learn a new term or verify the meaning of an existing one, it's a useful reference to have at your fingertips.
✅Bookmark our glossaries of DEI terminology and LGBTQ terms to share and reference as needed.
8. Inclusive Job Posting Guide
Having an inclusive job description is necessary to attract a diverse talent pool and reduce bias in the hiring process. It shows candidates that your organization will consider all applicants equally regardless of their background.
If you’re looking to diversify your talent pool, consider utilizing these job boards to meet your DEI hiring goals.
✅Explore our FREE Inclusive Job Posting Checklist and Guide which includes valuable insights on inclusive language.
9. DEI Courses
If you want to further supplement your knowledge as a DEI professional or to become a more effective leader, here are courses you can explore:
Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion
This is a completely virtual program that looks at the following topics: Improving engagement, counteracting unconscious bias, DEI at work, and fostering an inclusive climate. With a duration of 2 months, the course comes at a cost of $3,699.
Coursera
Coursera offers diversity courses from top educational institutions at a more affordable price. With programs available for a wide range of topics such as gender and sexuality, leading diverse teams, and communication in the modern workplace, you’ll be able to find something that sparks your interest and fits your schedule.
The most highly rated courses on Coursera are:
Leading Teams by the University of Michigan (4.8 stars with 2.1k reviews)
Communication in the 21st Century Workplace by UC Irvine (4.5 stars with 3.5k reviews)
Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity by the University of Colorado (4.9 stars with 1.7k reviews)
Karamo's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training
Having worked with the White House to create legislation that supports LGBTQ youth after school, activist and TV host Karamo Karega Brown now provides a free, comprehensive DEI course.
Comprising eight lessons, the course addresses critical issues like unconscious bias, microaggressions, and the establishment of a safe and inclusive workspace. For those seeking a clear and concise training program, this course offers valuable insights and practical guidance.
✅Looking for more free DEI courses? Check out our Free Anti-Racism Courses and Resources article!
10. Books on DEI
Books on diversity, equity and inclusion are always great to further your education.
Whether it’s for your organization's monthly book club or your own professional development in DEI, there are tons of reading materials to enhance your skills as an inclusive leader.
✅Check out our list of great reads including: 6 Books Every Ally Should Read , Must-Read Books for Every LGBTQ+ Ally, and 20+ Essential DEI Books.
11. DEI Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is an easy and low-commitment way to learn new topics. Consider putting on a DEI-focused podcast while you’re doing your chores or on your commute to work to keep yourself informed.
✅Here are 5 interesting podcasts about diversity in the workplace:
Code Switch
Hosted by journalists of color, this NPR show delves into the concept of intersectionality and navigates challenging subjects, including the societal impact of race.
Women at Work
In this podcast, editors of Harvard Business Review discuss the challenges faced by women at work and how we move forward.
Untapped
Untapped holds candid discussions about DEI in the workplace, featuring industry leaders who provide insights into the steps organizations are taking to address DEI.
Culture Stew
This show is dedicated to the exploration of how our cultural identities impact every facet of life. It features interviews with scholars, journalists, and scientists, delving into different cultural identity concepts and strategies for leading diverse teams.
Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox
Hosted by Jackie Ferguson, an award-winning author and co-founder of The Diversity Movement, this show engages in conversations with Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) leaders. It offers valuable insights and perspectives from global leaders who go above and beyond conventional approaches to ensure the success of their organizations.
Why Does My Organization Need a DEI Program?
A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program is a set of practices aimed at promoting diversity and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunity in an organization.
The benefits of DEI are numerous. Here are just three of the many reasons why your organization needs a DEI program:
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Many countries have laws and regulations that require organizations to promote diversity and equity.
Laws that protect diversity and inclusion in the U.S. include the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
Having a DEI program in place helps ensure legal compliance and mitigates the risk of legal issues related to discrimination or bias
Talent Attraction and Retention
Organizations with robust DEI programs are more attractive to a wider pool of talent.
According to a Glassdoor survey, 76% of employees report that a diverse workforce is an important factor when considering job offers.
They tend to retain employees better because people are more likely to stay in an inclusive and equitable workplace where they feel valued and respected.
Employee Well-being
A DEI program contributes to employee well-being by fostering a more inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe workplace.
When employees feel they can be their authentic selves at work and are treated fairly, their overall job satisfaction and mental health tend to improve.
