Equality, diversity and inclusivity: make sure your business is committed to EDI

Ensuring that your organization is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is essential for creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees. EDI means promoting and valuing the unique differences and characteristics of individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, and other personal characteristics.

In this article, you will learn:

Why is a commitment to EDI so important?

Company’s commitment to EDI will create a more inclusive, welcoming, and therefore more productive place for your employees. Law protects employees from discrimination based on “protected characteristics”. It means it’s against the law to discriminate against someone because of their e.g. sexual orientation on race.

What can your business do to ensure commitment to EDI?

Develop a Clear EDI Policy

Having a clear EDI policy in place helps to establish a shared understanding of what EDI means and the expectations for behaviour and actions within the organization. The policy should outline the company’s commitment to EDI, define key terms and concepts, and provide guidance on how to report and address any incidents of discrimination or bias.

Offer EDI Training

Training on EDI helps employees to understand and appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The training should cover topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and inclusive language. Providing regular EDI training sessions can help to reinforce the importance of EDI and encourage employees to think about their behaviour and actions in a more inclusive way.

Foster an Inclusive Culture

Creating a culture of inclusivity means actively valuing and promoting diversity and making sure that everyone feels valued and respected. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, promoting equal opportunities, and creating a supportive work environment. Providing opportunities for employees to connect with others from different backgrounds, such as employee resource groups, can also help to foster a sense of community and belonging.

Monitor and Review Progress

It is important to regularly monitor and review progress on EDI within the organization to ensure that the company remains committed to EDI and is making progress towards creating an inclusive workplace. This could involve conducting surveys, focus groups, or monitoring diversity and inclusion metrics.

Encourage Diversity in Hiring

One of the most effective ways to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace is by encouraging diversity in hiring. This means actively seeking out and recruiting candidates from underrepresented groups and creating an inclusive hiring process that values diversity.

They do it right: Companies Committed to EDI

Patagonia

Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company, is committed to promoting environmental and social responsibility, including EDI. The company has a comprehensive EDI policy and provides training for employees on issues such as unconscious bias and microaggressions. Patagonia also supports employee resource groups and provides opportunities for employees to connect with others from different backgrounds.

Airbnb

Airbnb, the home-sharing platform, has made a commitment to promoting diversity, belonging, and inclusion. The company has a comprehensive EDI policy and provides training for employees on these issues. Airbnb also supports employee resource groups and regularly tracks and reports on its progress on EDI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace is essential for creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees. Organizations can ensure they are committed to EDI by developing a clear policy, providing training, fostering an inclusive culture, monitoring and reviewing progress, and encouraging diversity in hiring. By doing so, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that values the unique differences and characteristics of all employees.