Jhané Gibson, Account Executive

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) are essential to creating a thriving workplace. As the bridge between leadership and employees, managers play a pivotal role in driving DEI&B initiatives. By equipping this influential group with the right tools and strategies, you can create a workplace where employees feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Here are five actions you can take to equip managers to be DEI&B champions within your organization:

1. Provide best practices for inclusive communications
Inclusive communication is essential for fostering a culture of belonging and respect. Providing managers with quick, easy to digest guidance around inclusive language, imagery and meeting planning will help create a workplace where employees feel valued, represented, and motivated to contribute to their fullest potential.

2. Offer dedicated learning opportunities
Managers need exposure to thought leadership in DEI&B. Host speaker events specifically for managers in which external experts can address topics like leading with empathy, how DEIB can impact employee retention and how diverse perspectives facilitate innovation.

3. Promote your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs play a vital role in fostering a sense of community. Craft communications to managers that promote the benefits of joining or taking a leadership position within your organization’s Employee Resource Groups. Allyship can be a powerful pathway to connection and understanding.

4. Share data-driven insights
Demonstrate the ROI of DEIB by sharing studies and reports that outline the positive impact of diversity on economic growth, productivity, market reach, and brand loyalty. To avoid information overload, aim to incorporate these data points in existing emails and newsletters that are directed to managers.

5. Establish a forum for feedback
Feedback loops are essential for continuous improvement. Consider periodically fielding anonymous surveys to give managers the opportunity to express their needs and challenges related to DEI&B.

When managers embrace DEI&B practices, their teams and colleagues take notice. By empowering this critical group, you can create a workplace where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.