Diversity Equity and Inclusion: successful applications

In the previous article we talked about DEI in general, its benefits. Today let us look more into how the implementation of this concept can be done in organizations, the challenges and explore some real world examples.

What can companies do to promote equality and diversity at work?

Be aware of unconscious bias – Train employees to recognize hidden biases, gather anonymous feedback, and encourage self-reflection.

Review company policies – Make sure policies are inclusive, like updating parental leave and improving discrimination reporting procedures.
Use inclusive language in job ads – Avoid gendered or age-specific terms and focus on skills rather than unnecessary qualifications.
Implement blind hiring – Remove personal details like name, age, and gender from applications to ensure fair hiring.
Promote pay equality – Regularly review salaries to close pay gaps, especially for women and older employees.
Acknowledge cultural and religious holidays – Recognize holidays like Diwali and Eid to foster respect for different cultures.
Encourage employee feedback – Use anonymous surveys and feedback channels to improve diversity efforts.
Provide diversity training – Offer training programs to educate employees on equality and inclusion.

(Escobar, 2024)

(www.linkedin.com, n.d.)

Many companies face challenges when trying to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. According to Wylie there are three common barriers;

Unconscious Bias – People often have hidden biases that affect hiring and workplace culture without realizing it. For example, recruitment processes may unintentionally exclude people with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds. Training and data analysis can help teams recognize and reduce bias.

Policies Without Action – Having EDI policies is not enough; companies need to take real steps to create change. This includes leadership involvement, inclusive hiring practices, regular training, and partnerships with diverse groups.

Lack of Representation – Even if a company has a diverse workforce, it may lack diversity in leadership roles. This can discourage employees from underrepresented groups from aiming for higher positions. Supporting career growth through training and mentorship can help bring more diversity into leadership.

By addressing these barriers, companies can create a more inclusive and equal workplace.

(Wylie, 2024)

Here are some real-world Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) examples from different industries:

• Women Influence Chicago – A program was created to help mid-career women in tech advance their careers. Through workshops and mentoring, 16 out of 17 participants achieved goals like promotions or raises.

• KPD Insurance – The company aimed to break traditional workplace stereotypes by increasing diversity in leadership and sales roles. With bias training and DEIB strategies, they improved recruitment and created a more inclusive culture.

• The Poetry Foundation – After finding that Black and Asian poets were underrepresented, the foundation took action by adding diverse leaders, improving HR policies, and addressing past concerns with employees.

(Verlinden, 2022)

Stéphane Grenier, Managing Director of Amazon Ads in France, shares why diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is crucial in our business. Have a look at the video to hear about their Leadership Principles and values at Amazon Ads.

(Inside Amazon, 2023)

That's not all! World economic forum listed some more commendable DEI initiatives around the world.

Image: World Economic Forum.

(Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses 2024, n.d.)

Its evident that all these examples show how businesses can successfully implement DEI to create fairer and more inclusive workplaces. Do you have DEI initiatives in your workplaces as well? Feel free to share in the comments!

Reference:

• Escobar, T. (2024). How to promote equality and diversity in the workplace | Praxis42. [online] Praxis42. Available at: https://praxis42.com/resources/hr/promote-diversity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace/.
• www.linkedin.com. (n.d.). From Awareness to Action: How HR can Improve DEI Initiatives in the Workplace. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-awareness-action-how-hr-can-improve-dei-deepak-dhar-dwivedi/.
• Wylie, N. (2024). 3 common barriers to equality, diversity, and inclusion. [online] Aspiring to Include. Available at: https://www.aspiringtoinclude.com/three-common-barriers-to-equality-diversity-inclusion/.
• Verlinden, N. (2022). Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB): A 2022 Overview. [online] AIHR. Available at: https://www.aihr.com/blog/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging-deib/.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses 2024. (n.d.). Available at: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Diversity_Equity_and_Inclusion_Lighthouses_2024.pdf.
• Inside Amazon (2023). Diversity, equity and inclusion at Amazon Ads. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbtciK95wTc [Accessed 23 Mar. 2025].