(This page has had a refresh, if you are looking for previously suggested resources, you can find them in the archive here).
Welcome to our guide on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Octopus Portfolio!
Picture DEI as the ultimate team-building exercise for your business. It brings together a variety of perspectives, gives everyone a seat at the table, and creates an environment where innovation thrives. If you've got DEI in your toolkit, you're setting yourself up for success! 💡
DEI also matters beyond business. It's all about making our world a bit fairer for everyone. When companies embrace diversity, they help knock down some pretty big societal barriers. And it can spark change way beyond the office! By championing DEI, we're boosting how the business performs and setting the stage for a more inclusive future.
To help you get started, we've assembled some resources to help you level up your DEI game.
Create a DEI mission statement that fits your company's culture. This sets the tone for your DEI efforts and shows everyone you're serious about it. It's like a compass for your company, guiding decisions and letting folks know DEI is a big deal to you.
Form a DEI committee with diverse representation. Why? Because it's like assembling your own experts! A diverse committee brings different perspectives to the table, ensuring your DEI efforts represent... well, diversity!
Implement inclusive hiring practices. This is your secret weapon for building a great team. Inclusive hiring helps you tap into a wider talent pool and avoid unconscious biases.
Offer regular DEI training for all employees. Think of this as giving your team superpowers. DEI training helps everyone understand different perspectives, communicate better, and create a more inclusive environment.
Establish mentorship programs to support underrepresented groups. This is like giving everyone a personal coach. Mentorship programs help level the playing field, providing guidance and opportunities that might otherwise be missed. It's a win-win for mentors and mentees!
Develop clear policies against discrimination and harassment. Clear policies set expectations, protect your people, and create a safe work environment. It's like a forcefield for your awesome company culture!
Why do metrics matter for DEI? Think of them as a report card – showing where you're winning and how you can improve. These numbers help you set clear goals, track progress, and make smart decisions. They reveal hidden biases and show how DEI efforts boost your business. By keeping an eye on these metrics, you ensure your initiatives stay effective and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
Below are some starter KPIs and metrics. We've got some handy blogs and real-world examples to show you how these DEI metrics work in action.