2. INDEX
Diversity & Inclusion – An Indian Perspective
What is DEI?
Dimension of DEI
Why can’t we consider only diversity?
What comes first, diversity or inclusion?
What is inclusive workplace?
Emergence of DEI.
What is the need of DEI?
Facets of DEI? – LGBTQ, Ethnicity, physically abled, etc.
How important DEI for any organization?
A business imperative and a differentiator
How to embrace DEI?
3. Diversity
• is differences in
• racial - ethnic,
• socioeconomic,
• geographic,
• and academic/professional
backgrounds.
People
• with different opinions,
• Backgrounds,
• religious beliefs,
• political beliefs,
• sexual orientations,
• heritage,
• and life experience.
5. BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT EQUITY
WE FIRST MUST TALK ABOUT
DISPARITY.
Difference
Not equal
Lack of similarity
Disparity in
height
Defining Disparity
Disparities in and of
themselves can be
neutral, neither good
nor bad, just a
descriptive difference.
6. EQUALITY VS.
EQUITY:
WHAT THESE
DEFINITIONS
OF EQUITY
HAVE IN
COMMON
Equity is providing people with
different levels of support and
assistance depending on interests,
needs, circumstances, or abilities
Equality is treating all people
the same regardless of
interests, needs, circumstances,
or abilities
7. “Ensuring that every individual has an equal
opportunity to make the most of their lives and
talents.”
Equity is about giving people what they need, in order to make things fair.
Equity is the process of ensuring that processes
and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal
possible outcomes for every individual.
Treating all people the same regardless of
interests, needs, circumstances, or abilities
8. DEFINING DIVERSITY
8
Inclusion is recognizing our universal
"oneness" and interdependence.
We are "one" even
though we are not
the "same.”
9. WHY CAN’T WE CONSIDER
ONLY DIVERSITY?
It’s simply a representation of
many different types of
people
(gender, race, ability, religion,
etc.)
Often focuses on the
differences and is referred to
as "the mix.“
Inclusion is the deliberate act
of welcoming diversity and
creating an environment
where all different kinds of
people can thrive and
succeed.
Inclusion is the act of
"making the mix work."
10. Improved
understandin
g of those
you work for,
with, and
around.
Creates a
work
environment
that allows
everyone to
reach their
full potential.
Provides
multiple
perspectives
on problem
solving.
Better
performance
outcomes.
Increases
employee
productivity.
Increased
retention
rates.
Boosts
employee
morale.
Improved
customer
relations.
Reduces
complaints
and
grievances.
It’s the right
thing to do!
WHY EQUALITY,
DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION
MATTERS?
11. Group think = higher risk culture
Low innovation without differing
perspectives
MINDSET
13. EMERGENCE OF DEI
60s
Equal Employment
Opportunity
Eliminate discrimination
for protected classes /
reduce legal risk
through compliance
70s – 80s
Affirmative action
Actively promote equal
opportunity
90s
Promote Diversity
Broder definition to
include religion, culture,
background, LGBT,
different way of thinking
Today > Forward
Diversity &
inclusion
Make explicit link
between workplace and
marketplace to enhance
innovation, teamwork
and obtain best talent.
14. Diversity expands worldliness
Diversity enriches the multiple perspectives
Why DEI Matters?
Diversity enhances social development
Diversity prepares employees for work in a global
society.
Interactions with people different from ourselves
increase our knowledge base
Diversity promotes creative thinking
Diversity enhances self-awareness.
15. Primary Dimensions
It’s what we are born with is our
identity.
Age
Gender
Disability
Religion
Ethnic
Heritage
Sexual
Orientation
Work
Experience
Socioeconomic
status
Neighborhood
Prejudices
Organizational
Role and Level
Communication
Style
Family
Status
Work/thinking
Style
Education
Geographic
Location
Secondary Dimensions
These dimensions change
throughout our lives.
16. HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN
PROMOTE IT!
VALUES THAT INCLUDE
RESPECT & TRUST
CULTURE THAT ALIGNS
WITH ITS STRATEGY
GOALS/OBJECTIVES POLICIES THAT
RECOGNIZE DE&I
BRING AWARENESS TO
THE FOREFRONT OF
WHAT IT IS!
‘LEADERSHIP’
17. Patterns of
human
behavior
common to
groups
Includes thoughts,
communications,
languages, practices,
beliefs, values, customs,
courtesies, rituals,
manners of interacting,
roles, actions,
relationships, and
institutions
Groups are based on race,
ethnicity, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, social
group or other similar
factors
With the ability to
transmit the above to
succeeding generations.
18. Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
- It provides strength.
- Challenges individuals to
respond to their diverse work
environment effectively.
- “Valuing” individual and group
cultural differences is critical to
achieving the organizational goals.
Embrace Discomfort
The point is to surround ourselves
with people who think, and act
differently than we do.
The business value of diversity
lies in having our views
challenged.
Cultural Awareness
Know your own cultural
background.
Recognize your own stereotypes
and biases.
Gain knowledge of cultural
history and heritage.
Be aware of other’s perceptions.
Recognize effects of -ism on the
others.
19.
20. Promotes a
safe and
accepting
environment
You will offend
someone at some
point.
Each person has a
right to their own
opinion.
Listen. We all have a
unique world-view.
What is each
person’s lens of
diversity?
“Tell me more …” “I wonder if ... “
We must allow
ourselves to be
vulnerable when
talking about
diversity.
Leads to guided self-regulation and learning
21. INDIVIDUAL
STRATEGIES FOR
DEALING WITH DEI
Understanding: one must be clear on the
nature and meaning of diversity.
Empathy: in an organization, one should try
to understand the perspectives of others.
Tolerance: in an organization, one should
be willing to tolerate cultural differences.
Communication: it can only work if it is
way.
Inclusio
n
Equity
22. HOW TO EMBRACE DEI AT
WORKPLACE?
Everyone’s
Narrative
Where are
you coming
from?
Befriend All
People
Empathy
Actively
Accept
Show
Compassion
23. WHY NOW & WHY HR?
•Why is it important to act now?
•Population and social mobility
•Skills shortages and other labour market strains brought to the fore
fore by Brexit
•Technology enabling working opportunities for those previously
unable to access the labour market
•Renewed government focus on productivity
•Increased business focus on people
•The challenges
•Many organizations focus on diversity rather than inclusion.
•Inclusion is harder because it often requires a cultural shift
•A lot of focus on D&I has been on the individual characteristics.
•However, we often posses multiple characteristics
•How to ensure everyone feels included? Bringing it all together.
24. HR professionals, are in a unique position to:
Help organizations understand the importance and value of diversity
inclusion
Challenge structural and cultural barriers to equal access and
Deliver lasting change through coherent policies underpinned by
that actively celebrate and encourage differences
HR have access to valuable workforce data
25. DEI MEASURES OF SUCCESS
•Engagement/Pulse Survey
•Allyship Program
•50/50 % in Leadership
•% of attrition / %hiring /
%promotion
•Perception
•% of Diverse Team
BELONG
ATTRACT
PRAMOTE
INFLUENCE
26. “People fail to get along
because they fear each other;
they fear each other because
they don't know each other;
they don't know each other
because they have not
communicated with each
other.”
― Martin Luther King
Jr.
28. The results of my changes are . . . How
will this change me moving forward?
29. Valuing Diversity
• Embraces the richness of
differences
• Recognizes that all
groups have contributed
and has given American
society its strength and
edge
Resistance to Valuing
Differences
Fear of Change
• Lack of information and
limited exposure to
members of other groups
• Discomfort with
Differences
• Desire for return to the
“good old days”
30. Supporting
inclusive
development,
sustainability and
resilience in a
competitive and
changing
environment
• Organizations
• workforce
• customers
• Communities
• society
An organization that
values its people as
individuals and
encourages every one to
recognise their unique
and different
perspectives, abilities
and contributions is one
that creates value for the
individual, their teams,
the organization and its
stakeholders
WHY ???
WHY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Strategy Performance Benefits
31. “Making the Mix
Work”
Inclusion involves bringing together and
harnessing diverse forces and resources in a way
that is beneficial. Inclusion puts the concept and
practice of diversity into action by creating an
environment of involvement, respect, and
connection—where the richness of ideas,
backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed to
create business value and overall success.
32.
33. Inclusive
leadership drive
organizational
growth in the 21st
century
Biggest Challenge : Create Growth
To have growth you need to differentiate
To differentiate you need to innovate
To innovate you need to diversity
To active the diversity you need to inclusion
To manage all this you need inclusive leadership
34. WHY NOW & WHY HR?
Why is it important to act now?
• Population and social mobility
• Skills shortages and other labour market strains
brought to the fore by Brexit
• Technology enabling working opportunities for those
previously unable to access the labour market
• Renewed government focus on productivity
• Increased business focus on people
The challenges
• Many organizations focus on diversity rather than
inclusion.
• Inclusion is harder because it often requires a cultural
shift
• A lot of focus on D&I has been on the individual
characteristics.
• However, we often posses multiple characteristics
• How to ensure everyone feels included? Bringing it all
together.
Editor's Notes
DEI is no longer a passing fad. It’s not about legal compliance or HR box-ticking, in fact diversity and inclusion is a critical factor for success.
#MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and the ballooning disparate consequences of Covid-19 on minorities brings renewed emphasis on D&I agendas, and the economic reality that diverse talent is good for business and good for sustainability.
Whether you’re a leader, HR practitioner, sponsor of a DEI initiative or an employee, no one will be able to escape from it…
Diversity at BIC is the blending of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within a team, to bring the benefit of diverse viewpoints which will make our organization stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Diversity is the mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact.
“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers
We have often heard the phrase “unity in diversity” in context of India.
The extra ordinary characteristic of this land is that in-spite of all diversity in different fields-physical, social, linguistic, cultural and religious, there is a fundamental thread of unity in the history of India.
1) Geographical diversity can be divided into 6 categories;
The Himalayan Mountains
The Northern Plains
Indian Desert
Peninsular Plateau
Coastal Plains
Islands
2) Racial diversity can be divided broadly into 3 categories
Caucasoid
Mongoloid
Dravidian
3) Climatic diversity
India has high mountains, and deserts, plateaus, fertile plains, rivers, valleys and vast seacoasts
Cherrapunji in Assam is the place which records the highest rainfall in the World and on the other hand there is no rainfall in the deserts of Rajasthan.
4) Social diversity is like dress codes, customs, food habits & manners.
5) Language – 22 languages have got a spot in constitution. More than 1400 dialects (boli)
6) Religion & Festivals- All the world religions are found here — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.
So we have seen that how diverse our country is !
India has a long tradition of accepting people with diversities, yet we are here to discuss why we need to learn about this is basically for few reasons.
1. The role & understanding of DEI at workplace is complex.
2. Conventional corporate thought
3. In case of disability is generally associated with incapacity, inadequacy, negative imagery and stereotypes.
It is hard to have a conversation about diversity and inclusion without discussing equity.
What is equity?
Is it a synonymous of equality, right???
If it is different? How it is different from equality? Let’s understand one by one…
Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.
Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Let’s understand this with the image 1 - give clarity about equality & equity
Equity differs from equality because equity is about fairness, and equality is about sameness.
Equity is about removing tangible and intangible barriers to ensure company’s practices are fair and consistent in the workplace, marketplace and community.
Image – 2 goes on more step ahead that justice…… it represents about fixing the process for fairness….
Inclusion involves bringing together and harnessing diverse forces and resources in a way that is beneficial. Inclusion puts the concept and practice of diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect, and connection—where the richness of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed to create business value and overall success.
Inclusion is the support for a collaborative environment that values open participation from individuals with different ideas and perspectives that has a positive impact on business.
In other words - Inclusivity means making everyone feel welcome and valued.
So, what is the big deal about inclusion? It is easy to include others. All we must do is make sure we notice people, smile at them, acknowledge them, say hello, make them feel good about themselves, include them in our conversation, seek their opinions, reassure them that we like them, actively demonstrate that we are listening to them, help them to feel validated, and reassure them that their ideas have value.
Diversity is what you have. Inclusion is what you do.
Simply having a diverse group, team, workforce, etc., is not enough.
Everyone should feel safe and encouraged to fully participate and share and be on equal footing as everyone else.
If you look at this picture, what do you see?
So you have a few ingredients, boring … but when you put them all together … what do you get? Likewise, having a diverse workforce does not guarantee that you understand how to make that mix work or how to unlock its full potential.
Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.
Diversity expands worldliness -opportunity to have real interaction with people from diverse groups
Diversity enriches the multiple perspectives developed by a liberal arts education.
Diversity enhances social development - Interacting with people from a variety of groups widens your social circle by expanding association and develop relationships
Diversity prepares employees for work in a global society. No matter what profession you enter, you'll find yourself working with employers, employees, coworkers, customers and clients from diverse backgrounds—worldwide.
Interactions with people different from ourselves increase our knowledge base. Research consistently shows that we learn more from people who are different from us than we do from people who are similar to us.
Diversity promotes creative thinking - Diversity expands your capacity for analyzing issues or problems from multiple perspectives, angles, and vantage points.
Diversity enhances self-awareness. Learning from people whose backgrounds and experiences differ from your own sharpens your self-knowledge and self-insight by allowing you to compare and contrast your life experiences with others whose life experiences differ sharply from your own.
This model illustrates both the primary and secondary dimensions of diversity that exert an impact on each of us at home, work and in society. While each dimension adds a layer of complexity to individual identity.
Together, these primary & secondary dimensions of diversity give definition and meaning to our lives by contributing and integrating whole the diverse person.
Now we are introducing another element of diversity which is Culture.
Cultural diversity can be brought with the awareness about it.
Now here is the challenge …
In order to embrace diversity and encompass our own diversity, you can start by surrounding yourselves with people who aren’t like us. We try constantly to be in the same room with people who challenge not only our day to day thinking but the way we view the world.
We put the right people in places and expect them to challenge our dearly held beliefs.
This gets uncomfortable at times. But we’re not going to generate new ideas with homogenous thinking.
How are we open to learning and change? This is a dynamic, lifelong process!
Avoid judgements.
Everyone’s Narrative - Consider your own life, and everything that has shaped your beliefs. Realize that each of the 7 billion people on this planet has their own narrative. Not one is the same.
Where are you coming from? - When you find yourself thinking poorly of someone, stop and consider what influences have created your negative views of that individual.
Befriend all people – If you know that you tend to avoid befriending certain types of people, go out of your way to find friends of all kinds.
Empathy – When you encounter anyone, try to imagine, understand, and sympathize with that person’s story, with everything that has made them who they are.
Actively accept – meditate upon embracing other people, with all the diversity that comes with them. Don’t allow yourself to define a person based upon one stereotype about one aspect of their complex identity.
Show compassion - Perform random acts of kindness for all types of people. It can be as simple as a friendly smile or holding open a door.
*** Practice EMPATHY, don’t be quick to judge, and envision life in another’s person’s shoes before you treat them unfairly.
BELONG
Engagement/Pulse Survey improvement in leadership support of DE&I and foster an inclusive work environment
DEI Allyship Program Participation and Satisfaction
ATTRACT
% of women and other underrepresented groups.
Ensure diverse slates for L4+ positions. Must have 50/50 female
representation and at least 1 candidate from other underrepresented groups.
PRAMOTE
% of attrition / %hiring / %promotion of women and other underrepresented groups.
INFLUENCE
External measure of perception (ie glass door)
% of diverse team members participating in events and activities.
Inclusive leadership drive organizational growth in the 21st century
Biggest Challenge : Create Growth
To have growth you need to differentiate
To differentiate you need to innovate
To innovate you need to diversity
To active the diversity you need to inclusion
To manage all this you need inclusive leadership
Why do people resist differences … This is common but I challenge each one of you to take that step and learn about others, ask, make a new friend … you will not regret!
<a href='https://www.freepik.com/vectors/people'>People vector created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com</a>
Inclusion is the support for a collaborative environment that values open participation from individuals with different ideas and perspectives that has a positive impact on business.
In other words - Inclusivity means making everyone feel welcome and valued.
So, what is the big deal about inclusion? It is easy to include others. All we must do is make sure we notice people, smile at them, acknowledge them, say hello, make them feel good about themselves, include them in our conversation, seek their opinions, reassure them that we like them, actively demonstrate that we are listening to them, help them to feel validated, and reassure them that their ideas have value.