Evidence-Based Ideas to Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace | Center for Employment Equity

Despite organizations increasing their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, many of them continue to fall short of their aspirations in this space. This 50-page report provides six chapters (each addressing a particular DEI topic) of research-based evidence about strategies that are effective for reducing discrimination and bias and increasing diversity within workplace organizations. By using a research-driven report such as this one, organizations can pinpoint and implement practices that are likely to have the greatest impact on DEI. Although each chapter provides keen insights, there are two in particular that I found helpful. Chapter 2 (p.16) discusses the importance of establishing DEI goals and metrics, then making them transparent to stakeholders, who should be “empowered to hold decision-makers accountable for making progress toward a diverse and fair workplace.” Chapter 4 (p.30) provides recommendations for using technology to increase fairness in hiring. Although the use of technology and AI in employment selection does come with missteps, carefully designed technological solutions can provide viable alternatives to a biased human approach. For more information on the technology side of DEI, you can check out my post where I reference a toolkit by the World Economic Forum and which highlights the opportunities and challenges specific to the greater use of technology in the service of DEI efforts.