Moving Beyond Tokenism: Building Sustainable DEI Programs

Photo by Ferhat Deniz Fors on Unsplash

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become buzzwords in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the increased attention on social justice issues. Many organizations have taken steps to promote DEI, but for some, these efforts have been mere tokenism — a surface-level attempt to appear diverse without truly committing to sustainable change. Here are some key steps to consider in moving beyond tokenism and building sustainable DEI programs:

1. Start with a commitment to change: Building sustainable DEI programs requires a fundamental commitment to change from an organization’s leadership. This means acknowledging and addressing any biases or structural inequities within the organization.
2. Develop a comprehensive strategy: A successful DEI program requires a comprehensive strategy that includes clear goals, metrics, and action plans. This should be developed in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders and should be regularly evaluated and updated to ensure progress.
3. Focus on retention, not just recruitment: Many organizations focus solely on increasing diversity in their recruitment efforts, but sustainable DEI programs also require a focus on retention. This means creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive to all employees, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
4. Educate all employees: DEI efforts should not be the responsibility of just one person or department. All employees should be educated on the importance of DEI and how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive workplace.
5. Measure progress and adjust as needed: Regularly measuring progress is essential for building sustainable DEI programs. This means collecting and analyzing data on the composition of the workforce, as well as employee engagement and satisfaction. Based on this data, adjustments can be made to the strategy as needed.

At Unscripted Consult, we are committed to helping organizations build sustainable DEI programs. Visit our website to learn more about how we can support your organization’s DEI efforts.