DEI activities can create a positive workplace environment where employees feel valued and respected. It is important to select activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The following article explores the qualities of good DEI activities and provides a list of 18 fun and effective DEI activities that companies can consider.
Summary
- DEI activities offer benefits such as attracting top talent, increasing profitability, and boosting productivity
- Choose DEI activities that focus on wellness, are holistic, and are customized to your company and its employees
- Fun and effective DEI activity ideas include:
| 1. Wellness Programs 2. DEI Training 3. Create a DEI Knowledge and Resource Center 4. Host a Speaker Series 5. Unconscious Bias Training 6. I Am, But I Am Not |
7. Film Discussion 8. Disability Awareness Training 9. Diversity Flower 10. Culturally Inspired Meals 11. Start a Book Club 12. Inclusive Language Training |
13. Volunteer Days 14. DEI Calendar 15. Diversity Appreciation Wall 16. DEI Quotes 17. Virtual Tours 18. Revisit Your Corporate Mission and Vision Statements |
Benefits of DEI Activities
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and its goal is to create a work environment where everyone feels accepted, heard, and valued.
Many employees want their employers to implement DEI activities:
- 56% of employees believe focusing on DEI at work is beneficial
- 76% of employees and job seekers consider diversity important when evaluating job offers
- 80% of employees prefer to work for companies that value DEI issues
DEI activities also impact business outcomes:
- Diverse companies have higher cash flow per employee and inclusive teams are more productive
- Companies with ethnic diversity in top quartile are more profitable
- Employees at companies with DEI initiatives are more likely to stay long-term
The benefits of DEI activities include attracting top talent, gaining a competitive edge, increasing profitability, boosting productivity, and making better decisions.
Rhonda Moret, Founder of Elevated Diversity, emphasizes the importance of a strong commitment to DEI for organizational success.
How to Choose DEI Activities
When selecting DEI activities, it is essential to prioritize wellness, approach inclusivity holistically, and tailor activities to your company and employees.
Consider DEI activities that exhibit the following qualities:
1. Prioritize Wellness
Wellness-focused DEI activities should promote comfort, confidence, and acceptance among employees.
Moret highlights the connection between DEI and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the benefits of employees feeling secure in their roles.
2. Holistic
DEI encompasses various aspects beyond identity, including mental, physical, and social wellbeing.
3. Tailored
DEI activities should be customized to fit each company’s unique culture and employee needs.
Moret emphasizes the integration of DEI throughout the organization, reflecting its core values.
18 Fun and Effective DEI Activities for the Workplace
Consider implementing the following DEI activities in your organization:
1. Wellness Programs
Wellness programs can enhance DEI by combining individual and team-building activities that celebrate diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion.
Wellness programs should offer diverse rewards, educational topics, and resources to cater to all employees.
2. Provide DEI Training
DEI training programs help develop a growth mindset within the organization, starting with senior leaders.
3. Create a DEI Knowledge and Resource Center
Establish a DEI knowledge and resource center to provide valuable tools and resources that encourage curiosity about different cultures and identities.
4. Host a Speaker Series
Organize a speaker series featuring individuals from diverse backgrounds to promote open discussions and enhance learning and understanding.
5. Unconscious Bias Training
Offer unconscious bias training to help employees recognize and address hidden biases in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive environment.
With the right approach, unconscious bias training can reduce prejudice, improve inclusivity, and enhance performance reviews.
6. I Am, But I Am Not
This group activity challenges stereotypes by having participants list aspects of their identity and then debunking stereotypes associated with them.
Encouraging discussions around stereotypes helps promote understanding and respect among employees.
7. Film Discussion
Watch a film as a group or independently and discuss its portrayal of characters, cultural issues, and stereotypes.
Engaging in film discussions can lead to meaningful conversations about diversity and representation.
8. Disability Awareness Training
Provide disability awareness training to increase understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
9. Diversity Flower
This activity involves teams creating a flower with petals, where each petal represents something unique about team members.
Exchanging and discussing the diversity flowers can help employees appreciate the uniqueness of their colleagues.
10. Culturally Inspired Meals
Organize a food festival or potluck where employees share their favorite cultural dishes and discuss the traditions behind them.
Sharing cultural foods can promote understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds.