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How to Fix the DEI Program If It's Failing

HR Tech Outlook | Friday, April 28, 2023

Some of the effective ways to fix the DEI programs are that measurable goals must be set, liabilities must be established, and ineffective policies and procedures must be revised. 

FREMONT, CA: As a result of social and political events in recent years, companies have pledged to enhance or introduce workplace programs and policies focused on advancing diversity and inclusion. 

Diverse, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) programs, including education and training, mental health support, and mentoring, have been increased. The efforts, three years in, are largely missing the mark, and many employees question the company's commitment to DEI&B values.

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An independent survey of more than 2,000 employees commissioned by WebMD Health Services to determine the effectiveness of DEI&B programs has revealed that large and mid-sized U.S. companies believe DEI&B is valuable but feel the programs aren't working as well as they should. More than 60 percent of employees said they would benefit personally if their company truly committed, but most employees don't believe their company is doing enough to foster a diverse and inclusive culture. Almost half, 46 percent, said DEI&B programs had failed them personally. Both employees and employers should be concerned about this. When DEI&B strategies are well-designed, they can help support a healthy, dynamic workplace culture where employees feel appreciated, included, and psychologically safe. Diverse, engaged, and committed teams provide organizations with unique insights and perspectives.   

While employers invest in training and other programs, they don't pay attention to how effective they are or do they need to revisit their efforts. Have they conducted a pulse survey or other assessment tools? Do they keep track of employees' changing needs or "pain points" so that programs remain relevant? Does their program include benchmarks and metrics that can be used to measure effectiveness and to determine how and if programs should be changed? 

"One size fits all" DEI&B approaches are rarely productive, and programs and processes need to modernize and revised regularly. As well as supporting the effectiveness of diverse teams, this makes strategic sense. Employees often look for companies with strong DEI&B programs and consider them when deciding whether to stay or leave. DEI&B strategies can support recruitment and retention on time when employment levels remain high in most industries. 

What needs to be changed to fix DEI&B:

It's in everyone's best interest when employees are their best selves at work, but organizations must address any flaws in their DEI&B efforts before cynicism undermines commitment and employees view diversity as nothing more than a façade.

In order to reshape workforce culture and create a path forward for growth and opportunity for all employees, leaders and managers can share a commitment to diversity and inclusion across the organization, set measurable goals, create accountability, and develop or revise organizational processes and policies that don't work. 

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