I am happy to welcome you to our revamped DEI @ Work Newsletter! As our valued e-subscriber, you will receive important insights into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). You’ll learn information you can use to deepen your organization’s work including case studies, promising practices, resources, and other news. We want to support you in creating equitable and just workplaces.

DEI Insight

Affirmity, a US-based human resources research firm, released its The Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 2024 report. Each year they survey companies globally to understand how organizations are doing concerning their DEIB work. Affirmity surveyed 268 HR teams from companies of all sizes and in various industries and learned the following:

• 13% of the survey respondents are at the Undeveloped stage of their DEIB journey and haven’t done much.

• 26% of the respondents are at the Beginning of their DEIB journey and have implemented some initiatives.

• 34% of organizations are at the Intermediate stage and have implemented a few different programs but they are not assessing their effort.

• 21% of respondents are at the Advanced stage and report having an equity strategic plan with goals matching their larger organizational priorities.

• 7% of organizations are at the Expert level where their DEIB work is part of the organization’s culture and operations. DEIB is a goal for both the CEO and the board and the work is led by a senior executive.

Survey participants stated that the top three obstacles to having more effective DEIB programs are:

• Lack of budget = 54% 

• DEIB is not enough of a priority for senior leadership = 42%

• Not understanding the benefits of investing in equity work = 34%

Affirmity classified organizations that are at the DEIB Advanced and Expert levels as DEIB Leaders, which is 28% of respondents, and they have the following in common:

• Rank their workplace DEIB programs an 8, 9, or 10 out of 10.

• Compile and analyze their many DEIB metrics.

• Host regular professional learning sessions for staff.

• Report that their DEIB efforts improve organizational performance, deepen their mission, vision, and values.

• Lead initiatives specifically for managers and senior leaders.

How will you classify your workplace’s efforts: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert? Reply to this email and let me know. Or, feel free to complete our Workplace DEI Quiz to help you understand where you are on your journey.

Regardless of where your workplace is currently, I know you want to be part of an organization that is not only equitable and just, but also safe, welcoming, and healthy! Please book a free one-hour consultation with me to discuss your organization’s goals and efforts, and how we can help you deepen your work

Until next month,

Michelle

michelle@mvdconsulting.ca 

Your Workplace DEI Consultant

P.S. Did you miss any of the great sessions from our 2024 DEI Webinar series? If yes, then please check them out on our new DEI @ Work YouTube channel! 

P.P.S. What do you think of our refreshed e-newsletter? Let me know!