Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Performance (DEIP)
At its core, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Performance (DEIP) is about more than just increasing representation for traditionally underrepresented groups such as women and BIPOC individuals. While representation is critical, DEIP also emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse personalities, viewpoints and perspectives into decision-making and team collaboration. This broader approach ensures that organizations benefit not only from diversity in numbers but from the wide-ranging ideas and innovation that arise from varied experiences and backgrounds.
Research from McKinsey shows that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians, while those with gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform their peers. This course equips participants with the tools to create and sustain a more inclusive environment that enhances both individual and organizational performance.
Class Topics:
The Business Case for DEI
Understand the direct impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on organizational performance and innovation.Building an Inclusive Culture
Learn strategies for creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.Addressing Unconscious Bias
Explore how unconscious bias affects decision-making and team dynamics, and learn techniques to recognize and mitigate its impact.Linking DEI to Performance and Innovation
Discover how diverse teams can drive better business outcomes, enhance creativity, and improve problem-solving abilities.
Assignments/Projects (Even Class Weeks):
Week 2: Conduct a DEI audit of your team or department, identifying areas where inclusion efforts could be strengthened.
Week 4: Reflect on a decision-making scenario where unconscious bias may have been a factor, and propose ways to mitigate bias in future decisions.
Week 6: Develop an action plan to improve DEI initiatives within your organization, focusing on measurable outcomes.
Week 8: Participate in a simulation exercise that demonstrates the link between diversity and improved team performance.
Common Work Problems Addressed:
Limited Innovation: Homogeneous teams often lack diverse perspectives, which can limit creativity and innovation.
Workplace Exclusion: Employees from underrepresented groups may feel excluded or undervalued, leading to lower engagement and retention.
Bias in Decision-Making: Unconscious bias can result in unfair treatment, hinder collaboration, and impact organizational outcomes.
Skills You’ll Learn:
How to build a more inclusive, diverse workplace that fosters better decision-making and innovation.
Techniques for recognizing and addressing unconscious bias.
Strategies for linking DEI initiatives to measurable performance improvements.
Benefits:
Enhanced Innovation: Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives and ideas, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving.
Increased Employee Engagement: A more inclusive culture increases employee satisfaction and retention.
Stronger Business Outcomes: Research shows that organizations with strong DEI initiatives tend to outperform their peers in terms of financial and organizational performance.