Global Diversity Awareness Month 2023: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace Checklist for Job Seekers

A job nowadays is no longer your typical nine-to-five. Over the years, it has undergone specific changes and evolved into something more multifaceted. Gone are the days when work just entailed clocking in, fulfilling tasks, and receiving compensation in return. Nowadays, businesses must embrace a broader perspective, one that goes beyond mere productivity. 



As a job seeker, it's crucial to recognize that today's organizations bear a profound responsibility: the creation of an inclusive workspace. Business leaders are now expected to not only foster productivity but also embrace and accommodate the diverse needs and aspirations of their workforce.

As a way to celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month, we encourage candidates like you to delve into the fundamental principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). But how can you tell whether a company genuinely practices DEI? The answer lies in diligent research. Look for specific signs that point towards a commitment towards an inclusive working environment. 

Everything You Need to Know About DEI 

If you're new to the concept of DEI, let's break it down in simple terms. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These are the bedrock principles that DEI-focused companies strive to wholeheartedly embrace. 

In practical terms, DEI encompasses a range of practices, strategies, programs, and policies geared towards creating a better and more positive workplace. It's all about fostering diversity, ensuring fairness (that's equity), and making sure everyone feels valued and included. In a DEI-driven environment, respect and kindness towards every individual are fundamental values. 

Fostering Diversity 

In the world of DEI, Diversity is about making sure that every individual, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, feels not only accepted but celebrated for who they are. Fostering diversity in an office goes beyond passive acceptance; it involves a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities each employee brings to the table. 

Moreover, diversity isn't just about waiting for diverse talents to come knocking on your door. It's a proactive endeavor. Business leaders must continually invest effort in broadening the spectrum of perspectives within their organization. 

In doing so, they not only invite a wealth of fresh ideas and viewpoints but also enhance the company's capacity for effective problem-solving and decision-making. 

Equity over Equality 

Equality involves treating everyone in the same way and providing identical opportunities to all. Picture a scenario where every employee receives the same standard training, intended to foster their professional growth. While this approach might seem straightforward for employers to implement, it doesn't always yield the most effective results. 

Equality describes the action of treating everyone in the same manner and providing all of them with the same level of opportunities. Meanwhile, equity focuses on ensuring fairness by providing extra support and resources to those who need it. 

Consider this: new hires might struggle with complex topics covered in the training. Meanwhile seasoned employees may already be well-versed in the material. This is where equity steps in. 

Equity means recognizing and valuing the unique differences among employees. It involves tailoring efforts to meet each individual's specific needs. 

For instance, it could mean providing additional support and resources to those who require it, while senior employees might receive more advanced training or mentorship opportunities. This way, employers can ensure that every team member receives the support they need to thrive and grow within the organization, leading to more effective and personalized development efforts. 

Inclusion in the Workplace 

In the context of global diversity, workplace inclusion is all about actively valuing every individual, regardless of their unique characteristics. It's about creating a work environment where everyone is not just tolerated but genuinely appreciated, respected, and given a voice. Inclusive companies go the extra mile to nurture a sense of belonging among their employees. 

Joining an inclusive organization can significantly benefit your career and overall well-being. In an inclusive workplace, cultural diversity is not just accepted; it's celebrated. You can be yourself, with no need to hide your cultural or religious practices. 

Research has also shown that working in such an inclusive space can boost your innovation and productivity, enabling you to perform at your very best in your potential job.¹ 

Benefits of Working for a DE&I Company 

Now that you understand what DEI is, the question that remains is "why?". Why should you put in the effort of researching and applying to organizations that value those three principles? Here are five benefits of working for a DEI company. 

• Better Workplace Relationships. DEI initiatives create an environment that embraces individuality and differences, encouraging employees to be more open and accepting of one another. This nurturing atmosphere can result in enhanced mutual understanding and stronger relationships within the company. 

• Increased Productivity. In DEI-driven organizations, the sense of belonging fosters a workplace where every employee feels valued and motivated to contribute their unique skills and talents. On a similar note, the positive workplace atmosphere inspires individuals to maintain high levels of productivity and ensures tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. 

• Improved Overall Wellbeing. In a company that supports DEI, a deep understanding of its employees, from their strengths to their challenges, is paramount. From an employee's standpoint, this understanding translates into manageable workloads and personalized support when necessary. You won't find yourself overextending or struggling to complete tasks outside your expertise. These considerations play a vital role in bolstering your long-term health and overall well-being. 

 
Related Reading : Taking Care of Your Employees: The Importance of Valuing Workers’ Wellness and a Slow Work Mindset 

 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Checklist 

As Global Diversity Awareness Month approaches, it's the perfect time for you to find out whether the companies you're eyeing value DEI or not. But how will you recognize if they are truly a DEI company? Below is a checklist consisting of five ways you can tell if a company values diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

1. Uses Inclusive Language 

Visit the company’s websites and social media accounts. Analyze the way they form their sentences. Do they use gender-inclusive pronouns like 'they' and 'them'? Do they refer to their people as their 'team' or do they opt to use the word 'individuals' to describe their employees? 

Their choice of words can reveal a lot about their commitment to inclusivity. That way, you can evaluate whether their way of communication respects a diverse set of people or not. 

2. Provides Diverse Representation 

In addition to examining their written content, consider the visuals they feature. Companies often accompany their blogs and social media posts with images. Do these visuals depict a diverse range of individuals? 

If so, investigate whether these images are stock photos or authentic snapshots from within their organization. This can help you gauge their genuine dedication to fostering employee diversity. 

3. Offers Flexible Holiday Policies 

Take a look at the company's policies, if they are accessible to you. Pay close attention to their holiday policies, particularly during the fourth quarter. An indicator of a company's commitment to DEI is when they offer flexible holidays instead of fixed ones. 

This demonstrates sensitivity and inclusivity toward different cultures and religions that celebrate holidays on varying dates. For instance, rather than mandating time off on December 25th, they can allow you to choose when to take your holiday. 

4. Inclusive Office Layout 

For this item, you can either do your research online through reviews or you can visit the actual company in person. Observe the physical office space. Are there modifications made to accommodate people with disabilities or other specific needs? 

For example, ramps for people who use wheelchairs or well-designed quiet spaces for employees with sensory sensitivities. DEI initiatives should go beyond statements and claims. It needs to be seen in the physical and social environment the company has created. 

5. Practices Diversity in All Aspects of the Company 

A company truly embodies DEI when all three principles are evident throughout its operations. From hiring procedures to day-to-day work routines, inclusivity, equity, and diversity should take center stage.

Consider the promotion process as an example. Are the leaders and managers of the company from different backgrounds and demographics? 

If they are from very similar backgrounds, it may say a lot about the criteria the company sees in a potential leader. Among all items on the checklist, this is the most difficult one to spot since it usually requires detailed observation and analysis. 

That said, another great way to learn about how a company practices DEI is through speaking with current or previous employees. You can also opt to read reviews posted on the internet but remember that these can be subjective and biased so read with caution. 

FIND A DEI COMPANY THAT NEEDS YOU THROUGH ALLIED ONESOURCE 

As one of the oldest staffing and recruiting companies in the country, we at Allied OneSource have an extensive network of outstanding employers who understand the importance of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s our job to put your resume in front of the right people in need of your expertise. 

Global Diversity Awareness Month or not, you deserve to work for a company that values its people as unique human beings. Allow us to help you get in front of the opportunities you're looking for. Contact us today to start! 

Reference 

1 ILO. "Greater Progress on Diversity and Inclusion Essential to Rebuild Productive and Resilient Workplaces." International Labour Organization, 6 Apr. 2022, www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_841085/lang--en/index.htm.