In the workplace, that can mean differences in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and socioeconomic class. To bring those values to life, companies must implement programs and initiatives that actively make their offices more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces.ĭiversity is the presence of differences within a given setting.

Employers must actively work to create meaningful change in spite of the history of injustice that has marginalized underrepresented groups within the workplace.ĭEI is an ethos that recognizes the value of diverse voices and centers inclusivity and employee wellbeing as central facets of success. If the tech industry wants to truly be a place where innovation and ingenuity thrives, diversity, equity and inclusion has to take center stage. This means that every employee feels comfortable and supported by the organization when it comes to being their authentic selves. Inclusion: The practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the workplace.Equity: The act of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual.Diversity: The presence of differences within a given setting.What Is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)? Sunny Betz contributed reporting to this story.įREE WEBINAR: Zoom Towns and Anti Work - The Trends You Need to Know. Using insight from Colman, who has over 13 years of HR experience, it provides a foundational introduction to DEI today. Here you’ll learn what diversity, equity and inclusion are and how each plays a role in creating a better workplace. Before you begin to reevaluate your efforts and implement new practices, it’s important that you fully understand each component, both individually and how they work together. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the workplace.ĭiversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is vital to creating and maintaining a successful workplace one founded on the principle that all people can thrive personally and professionally. Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting. “We need to make sure that, not only do they have a job, but they have the same ability to get promoted, to contribute and have the same impact - in the world and in the workplace - as their peers.”ĭEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. “We as employers need to make sure we’re including these individuals and that we’re giving them equity,” said Catalina Colman, Director of HR and Inclusion at Built In. If tech companies want to build an industry that truly looks toward new horizons, they need to make DEI a central part of their values.

Though it has made strides in the last decade, the tech industry remains extremely homogenous - a 2019 survey revealed that people of color made up only five percent of employees at Silicon Valley tech firms, and women hold around just 28 percent of tech industry roles. However, as forward-thinking as the industry can be, it also suffers from stagnation in some areas, especially in regards to the demographics of its biggest players. The tech industry stands apart from other industries with its promise to build a brand new future.

I thrive meaning