As an internal communications professional, you know how difficult it can be to create and maintain a successful and inclusive environment. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are becoming increasingly important in the workplace, and it is essential that internal communication professionals understand the importance of DE&I and how to effectively implement DE&I initiatives.
In this article, we explore the importance of DE&I for internal communication professionals, the strategies for success, and tips for implementing DE&I initiatives in the workplace.
DE&I statistics
The importance of DE&I efforts in the workplace is undeniable. Research from Forbes states that companies with executive-level DE&I programs are 33% more likely to see improved market share and 21% more likely to experience higher profits. Furthermore, research from Deloitte found that organizations with an effective DE&I strategy experience improved employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and creativity.
These statistics make it clear that DE&I is not just a nice-to-have, but an essential component of any successful business. Internal communication professionals need to understand the importance of DE&I and how to effectively implement DE&I initiatives in their workplace.
DE&I strategy for Internal Communication professionals
The first step in creating a successful DE&I strategy is to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity is the representation of a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Inclusion is the respect, acceptance, and appreciation of these differences. When these two concepts are combined, they create a culture of acceptance and respect in the workplace.
Once you understand the importance of DE&I, you can begin to develop a strategy to make your workplace more diverse and inclusive. Start by looking at the existing policies and procedures in your organization and determine if there are any that could be updated or improved. Consider what types of training and education you could offer to employees to help them understand and embrace DE&I principles. Additionally, look for ways to increase the representation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in your workplace by recruiting from a variety of sources and creating pipelines for diverse talent.
Finally, ensure that you have effective communication channels in place to ensure that all employees feel heard and valued. This includes implementing an employee communication app that allows for two-way communication, feedback, and recognition of employees from all backgrounds.
DE&I tips for Internal Communication professionals
Once you have a strategy in place, it’s important to ensure that you are implementing it effectively. Here are some tips that internal communication professionals can use to create a successful DE&I program:
- Model DE&I principles: Lead by example and ensure that your team is modeling the behaviors and values you want to promote.
- Create an inclusive environment: Ensure that all employees feel respected and valued and that their opinions are heard.
- Promote diversity: Recruit from a variety of sources and create pipelines for diverse talent.
- Develop DE&I-focused training and education: Offer training and education to help employees understand and embrace DE&I principles.
- Monitor progress: Regularly monitor and assess the progress of your DE&I initiatives and make adjustments as needed.
- Utilize an employee communication app: Use an employee communication app to ensure effective communication and feedback from all employees.
By following these tips, internal communication professionals can create an effective DE&I strategy and ensure that their workplace is successful and inclusive.
In a nutshell
Internal communication professionals need to understand the importance of DE&I and how to effectively implement DE&I initiatives in the workplace. By creating a DE&I strategy, utilizing resources and tools, and monitoring progress, internal communication professionals can ensure that their workplace is diverse, inclusive, and successful. And don’t forget to use an employee communication app for DE&I initiatives. Use the app as a place to implement your DE&I initiatives and get everyone on the same page.