Planning and Implementing a Focused DEI Strategy

  February 21, 2024

SEB Marketing Team

Embracing a commitment to DEI begins with an assessment of the current DEI situation and is followed by strategies and implementations that will bring continuous improvement. Achieving progress requires crafting a tailored action plan that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities identified in your DEI assessment.

When it comes to DEI, one size certainly does not fit all. Each organization faces its own set of challenges and opportunities, calling for a customized approach. This is why it is important to align your DEI initiatives with your organization’s mission, vision, and values, then plan to review the policies and practises often to adjust as needed.

Here are some examples of areas in which to plan and implement strategies for DEI:

DEI Training: Whether your results uncovered unconscious bias, acts of micro-aggressions or any other forms of discrimination, there are various trainings that can be offered to create a more inclusive workplace. Options include online trainings, seminars, and workshops which cover a variety of DEI topics. Action step: seek out and partner with external consultants to develop comprehensive modules and schedule regular trainings throughout the year and be sure to include all levels of the organization.

Hiring and Recruitment Practices: Consider revamping job descriptions and interview processes to align with your diversity goals, minimize bias and promote diversity. Action step: Review current job descriptions and look to remove any biased language. Make updating hiring practices a priority task and review it over time.

Policy Changes: Since company policies highlight the processes and influence the organization’s culture as a whole, it is necessary to review and update company policies to ensure alignment with DEI practices. This may include flexible work arrangements, anti-discrimination policies, and parental leave. Action step: Conduct a policy review and implement necessary changes. Include feedback from employees through surveys and ensure that communication plans are transparent with plenty of options for the organization to achieve compliance.

Employee Satisfaction and Retention: An engaged workforce is one that feels they are heard and supported. Part of an effective DEI implementation is to engage in regular surveys that take the pulse of employee satisfaction, and perspectives on inclusion and the workplace culture. Action step: Conduct regular employee surveys to assess satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement .

Leadership Development: Offering leadership development programs focused on DEI competencies is one of the cornerstones of an effective DEI strategy because it fosters inclusive leadership. Following an assessment, it is important to identify existing leadership training programs and mentorship programs, and ensure they are communicated to the entire workforce. Action step: Provide skills development and mentorship programs for emerging leaders. Recognize and reward leaders who demonstrate a commitment to DEI practises.

Employee Resource Groups: Establishing affinity groups or employee resource groups to provide support and networking opportunities for employees facing similar challenges is also a valuable component of implementing DEI practices. Mentorship or sponsorship programs can support career advancement for diverse talent. Action step: Create opportunities for employees to support each other through mentorship and training. Implement transparent promotion and advancement processes to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.

Creating action plans to implement DEI strategies requires a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of organizational culture, policies, and practices. By focusing on DEI training, hiring and recruitment practices, policy changes, employee satisfaction and retention, leadership development, and other key areas, organizations can build more inclusive and equitable workplaces where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Through intentional action and ongoing commitment, we can work towards creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for all.