What Is DEI? A Beginner’s Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This topic has been on the table for years – and lately, it’s also been off it. Many companies have removed DEI in the workplace from their internal agendas, claiming to move past it. But moments like these only make us want to hold on to it even more. To us – and many like us – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion isn’t a trend or a policy. It’s a lived experience.
If it disappears from the boardroom agenda, it doesn’t mean it stops affecting lives. And it certainly doesn’t stop mattering.
What is DEI really about, and why is it still so essential? If you’re curious about how it can reshape modern workplaces, you’re in the right place.
Breaking Down DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Each part of DEI plays a unique role in creating inclusive, engaged workplaces. Here’s what they mean – and how they work together:
Diversity: The “Who” of Your Team
Diversity is the mix of people in your organization. It’s representation across gender, race, age, neurodiversity, ability, and culture. But it doesn’t end at recruitment. True diversity is about ensuring your team reflects the world – and the customers – you serve.
Still, hiring a diverse team doesn’t guarantee success. It’s like throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for a gourmet dish. Without the right tools and environment, that mix won’t reach its potential.
Equity: The “What” Leveling the Playing Field
Equity isn’t about treating everyone the same. It’s about meeting people where they are and giving them the support they need to thrive. Equal access isn’t truly equal if not everyone can make use of it.
Imagine offering a workshop to two employees. One attends easily. The other can’t, due to caregiving responsibilities or language barriers. That’s where equity steps in – to make sure everyone has a fair chance to grow.
Inclusion: The “How” of Team Interaction
Inclusion is where DEI becomes real. It’s how diverse teams connect, collaborate, and show up fully.
Most of what makes us who we are lives below the surface. Identities are layered, and inclusion means building a culture that sees the full iceberg – not just what’s visible above the waterline. That’s where empathy becomes action.
Why DEI Is Essential for Modern Workplaces
It’s not just good values – it’s good business.
DEI helps businesses foster innovation, improve retention, and build stronger teams. When people feel seen and supported, they show up more engaged and committed. They collaborate better. They stay longer. They think bigger.
Innovation and Growth Through Inclusion
Teams built on diverse perspectives produce fresher ideas. But without inclusion, those ideas may never surface. DEI in the workplace creates the psychological safety people need to take creative risks.
Stronger Teams, Better Results
Engaged teams drive better results. DEI promotes employee retention, boosts morale, and helps your brand attract top talent. Inclusion isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the bedrock of team cohesion.
And no, DEI isn’t just HR’s job. It requires full organizational buy-in. Leadership sets the tone, but everyone must carry it forward. And it’s a journey – not a checklist.
We’ve seen companies treat DEI as a temporary initiative – one simple yet powerful example is Airbnb’s #WeAccept campaign. Launched during the Super Bowl in 2017. But for people affected by exclusion or bias, there’s nothing temporary about the experience. It’s why ongoing DEI education, audits, and action plans are so critical.
Why It’s Not Just a Trend
As we continue hearing “DEI fatigue” in corporate conversations, let’s not forget: this work isn’t optional for those of us who live it.
Removing DEI from a slide deck doesn’t erase its impact. In fact, it only highlights how far we still have to go. A diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is one that’s prepared – for talent, for innovation, and for the future.
And if you’re ready to make DEI in the workplace more than a checkbox – we are here to guide you through strategy, messaging, and meaningful implementation, reach out to us!
Written by a member of Coana’s Collective. For more articles like this, explore Reads.
