Articulate your values and convictions in language everyone can understand.
At Diversity Inclusion Work we want strive to empower individuals, startups, and small businesses who want to join the conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion. As the topics of race, diversity, disability, and gender discrimination continue to dominate headlines, you may feel it’s time to create your DEI message or add to your vision and values statements.
We suggest startups and small businesses have Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion messaging that shows how they plan to represent their business and how they view equality. The right statements demonstrate to customers, employees, and your community what you stand for, who you serve, and how you intend to serve the community.
Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statements can be short and concise, or long and highly detailed. This type of content and messaging in particular states your values and demonstrates your pledge to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. More than just a section on your website or a subheading in your annual report, your DEI statement could be create a solid foundation for the growth of your business.
A clear diversity, equity, and inclusions message should contain what DEI means to you, why DEI matters to your business as a whole (now and for the future) and how you approach DEI (current and future activities and commitments).
Clear Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion messaging is separate from your business mission statement because it should be easy to find for those looking for it. Good DEI messaging triangulates with your mission, vision and values and gives clear points that shows the reader how closely your values may align with their values.
Congratulations! Just getting your messaging done is a big deal. You’ll want to share it internally first and then update your website, recruiting material, and pitch scripts. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Ask for your partners’ and employees’ feedback to include them in crafting your D&I statement.
- Include elements of the DEI messaging in hiring, onboarding and employee performance reviews.
- Revisit your messaging and activities at least once a year, if not more often, to reiterate your commitment and ensure all employees are aligned.
- Implement some KPIs to measure the success of your DEI activities.
