5 Ways DEI Needs to Look Different in 2023

We believe it’s time to do DEI differently…but what does this mean? We’re sharing 5 ways we believe this work needs to look different in 2023 (and beyond) and what your organization can do to adapt.

#1 Leaders must build back trust and heal harm

How to meet the need: Address and amend past missteps. Did your company say they were going to prioritize DEI in 2020? Did it follow through on those commitments? If not, there might be some clean up to do. Remember, DEI work is relational, not transactional, and strong relationships require trust.

#2 Mental health and wellness should underpin all DEI efforts

How to meet the need: Recognize the collective grief your employees may be experiencing coming out of the height of the pandemic. Develop new programs, practices, and processes to mitigate burn-out, extend empathy, and support employee wellbeing. There won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution, so be sure to approach this challenge with varying needs in mind. 

#3 Greater DEI governance will be needed to sustain efforts long term

How to meet the need: It’s important for an organization to have a DEI strategy. It’s equally as important to have dedicated stakeholder groups, processes, and solid structures in place to foster shared ownership, alignment, and accountability for implementation efforts. This work cannot, and should not, fall on the shoulders of only a select few.

#4 Social justice principles and learnings should be integrated into DEI work

How to meet the need: Consider investing time in learning the principles of broader social justice movements to find the parallels in the DEI work your organization is undertaking. What lessons from collectivist cultures can be applied? How can your organization evolve its efforts to take a more holistic approach?

#5 DEI should be embedded into an organization’s broader mission

How to meet the need: Continue to focus on building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture, but also examine your external DEI efforts. Reflect on your mission, products, and services to assess where and how your organization can further its impact among its customers, clients, consumers, and communities.

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