Overview:
- To build a healthy workplace, diversity, and inclusion must be interwoven
- Diversity and inclusion are essential for professional and individual success
- 7 activities to build diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- The ultimate goal of diversity and inclusion is to genuinely connect with others
Diversity and inclusion have tangible influence in the various spheres of our lives. Diversity extends beyond different races, ages, and genders of individuals to encompass neurodiversity, different abilities, and sexual orientations. Inclusion is the act of granting each individual a sense of belonging and value within the workplace. Diversity without inclusion is meaningless. If you have a diverse work team, but they don’t feel valued and appreciated. This could result in squandering their potential and the loss of a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent. Therefore, it’s imperative to implement diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace.
The Significance of Diversity and Inclusion
According to research conducted by the Harvard Business Review. Teams and companies that are diverse in terms of composition are 70% more likely to capture a new market than firms that are not diverse. Another report by McKinsey highlights that diverse companies not only are better at decision-making and have increased employee engagement. But also are better able to attract and retain top talent.
These studies clearly show that diversity and inclusion are essential for empowering excellence in the workplace. Both professionally and individually. Creating a diverse and inclusive team demands conscious efforts. To accomplish this, you must actively implement diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace. You can also perform inclusive leadership assessments on a timely basis to measure the progress of inclusion in your workplace.
This article discusses 7 fun and engaging diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace that you can easily do. These activities will not only enhance your workplace professionally, but they will improve your employees’ well-being.
7 Diversity and Inclusion Activities in The Workplace
To learn how to be an inclusive leader and build an inclusive work team, Diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace will guide you in this journey. These include diversity briefings, dish parties, D&I book days, and others. Let’s take a closer look at each of these 7 activities to foster diversity and inclusion:
Diversity Briefing
Diversity briefing is a discussion that emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Such as discussing important diversity issues, and topics e.g. holidays, diversity days, etc. Diversity briefing develops cultural awareness within the workplace, which helps in dismantling biases and nurturing understanding among team members. Furthermore, briefing about diversity is important in inclusive leadership training and for embedding empathy in the workplace.
Snapshot Board
Put up a snapshot board. Photos are incredible icebreakers and conversation openers. They usually spark curiosity, so it will encourage your team to engage in a worthwhile and meaningful conversation. This simple activity can foster unique and lasting relationships among team members.
Dish Parties
Hosting dish parties is a great diversity and inclusion activity in the workplace. It is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and foster bonding in the workplace. Food unites people and fosters a sense of connection. It provides the opportunity to explore different cultures and helps us understand the world better. Exploring diverse cuisines provides valuable clues into the history, traditions, and social dynamics of different societies.
Follow the Diversity Calendar
To ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace. Follow a diversity calendar to celebrate holidays and special occasions for each team member. By doing so, team members will realize their workplace is more than just a work environment, but a community.
D&I Book Day
Reading diversity and inclusion books will guide you to clear misconceptions of other cultures’ perspectives, thus connecting better with co-workers. Host a book day and discuss a certain D&I book with your team regularly. This will enlighten your team and enhance their self and cultural awareness.
Disability Awareness Training
UN statistics demonstrate that 80% to 90% of persons with diverse abilities are unemployed in developing countries, while between 50% and 70% in industrialized ones.
Individuals with disabilities are often excluded from the workplace. It’s crucial to address their rights and work towards creating more inclusive environments. Disability awareness training sets the foundation of empathy and respect at work and dismantles social barriers.
Art Work
Let art do the work. Art is a great method for expressing individuality and one’s culture. You can host an art day. This will allow your team to represent their viewpoints, culture, or thoughts through art and explain it to each other.
Conclusion
A genuine interest in connecting with others and understanding their points of view is the goal of diversity and inclusion. While there are countless diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace. Starting with smaller initiatives and gradually expanding them as your organization grows can be an effective approach.
FAQs
How can I show diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
By Respecting and treating your team with equality. By encouraging and appreciating their contributions and giving them a sense of belonging and value in the workplace.
What are diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace?
DEI activity is what you can do with your team to promote a workplace culture of inclusion, respect, and diversity.
What is the best example of diversity in the workplace?
Gender diversity, sexual orientation, and age diversity are the best examples of diversity in the workplace.
