DEI professionals are focusing on demonstrating the value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives by bringing rigor and measurement to the work.
Kamille Washington, director of internal communications and inclusion at Workhuman, discussed the evolving landscape of DEI work and the importance of integrating storytelling into broader culture initiatives.
Transitioning from DEI to focusing on inclusion ('I') involves ensuring fair treatment and a sense of belonging for all employees throughout their lifecycle.
Collaboration with various teams within the organization is key to making processes fair, equitable, and inclusive in the workplace.
Examples of initiatives at Workhuman include a self ID campaign to collect demographic data and adjusting recruiting strategies to reflect diverse demographics.
DEI work has become politically charged, with backlash and a need to bring more rigor and measurement to initiatives beyond surface-level activities like pride parades.
Considering the impact of executive orders on DEI initiatives, companies are evaluating their programs and potential risks to ensure compliance and support clients who are government contractors.
The future of the DEI space involves empowering employees across organizations with the skills to engage in DEI conversations, aiming to create a culture where everyone feels confident in addressing diversity and inclusion.
The ultimate goal for those working in DEI is to equip individuals with the necessary skills to ask questions and drive conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the vision to make their role obsolete.