What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)?

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are four separate concepts that together help boost morale, engagement, productivity, success, and innovation within the workplace. HR teams and organizations as a whole are more aware than ever before that DEIB initiatives can mean the difference between an organization thriving or flagging.

Let’s explore each of these four concepts in more detail. 

• Diversity: This refers to demographics, including gender, age, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, location, nationality, disability status, and more. The wider the range of these demographics, the more diverse your organization is. However, having a diverse team is not enough. Creating a workplace environment that supports and nurtures diverse employees is what matters. 
• Equity: An equitable organization means that every employee receives equal opportunities, is treated fairly, and has the resources they need to succeed in their job, regardless of their background.
• Inclusion: An inclusive environment means that all employees are treated with respect and care, despite any differences, and made to feel welcome, valued, and heard. A report by Gartner found that inclusive teams perform up to 30% better than non-inclusive teams. 
• Belonging: All employees should feel accepted, valued, and heard at work. Belonging is about fostering psychological safety in team situations, where every team member is comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or retribution. Regardless of how long an employee has been in the company or team, they should feel welcome and needed and receive the same comradery and opportunities as anyone else.