Diversity, equity, and inclusion activities for your business
Cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in your workplace is not just a one-off activity but rather a constant investment. Companies and organisations should create a diverse workforce and inclusive environment, as there are many benefits to doing so. DE&I activities are initiatives you can take to promote diversity and a sense of acceptance and belonging within your workplace.
Hays NZ’s commitment to DE&I extends to helping companies further their understanding of the topic with resources and useful insights.
Discover the following activities you could utilise to foster workplace diversity.
Celebrate holidays from different cultures
While Easter and Christmas are traditional holidays in the average work year, it's vital to acknowledge and respect various cultural events that hold significance for different cultures and diverse team members.
For example, being mindful of Ramadan's dates is important, as team members who observe it will be fasting during work hours. By recognising and embracing these diverse cultural celebrations, you can create a more inclusive work environment that values and supports the unique backgrounds and traditions of your team members throughout the year.
You may also want to mark days in the calendar that celebrate diversity. Consider the following notable events celebrated globally:
- International Women's Day
- Pride Month
- Ramadan
- Diwali
- World Religion Day
- World Day for Cultural Diversity
- NAIDOC Week
- World Food Day
Invite guest speakers
Inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds is a powerful way to educate and enrich your team's understanding of DE&I. By sharing their personal stories, experiences, and expertise, guest speakers bring diverse perspectives that can help break down barriers and challenge assumptions. This exchange not only broadens your team's understanding but also creates a safe space for open dialogue, empathy, and connection. By amplifying voices from diverse backgrounds, you can cultivate a more inclusive culture that values and celebrates the unique contributions of all team members.
Conduct unconscious bias training
Unconscious bias (UB) training is a model that encourages employees to confront any implicit biases they may have. UB training aims to help people challenge their prejudices and motivate them to promote inclusivity. An external provider can conduct UB training for you.
Host international potluck days
Food has the universal power to unite people. Hosting a potluck meal, where team members share dishes from their diverse cultural backgrounds, is a delicious way to foster connection and strengthen company culture. This inclusive culinary experience allows colleagues to bond over flavours and traditions, celebrating the rich diversity of the team.
By sharing meals from different backgrounds, you can:
- Enhance team bonding and camaraderie.
- Enrich your company culture with a spirit of fun and inclusivity.
- Embrace the unique perspectives and traditions of your diverse team members.
A potluck lunch or dinner is a simple yet effective way of bringing people together and promoting cross-cultural appreciation in the workplace.
Genuine team-building activities
Encourage a deeper sense of community and inclusivity by investing in diversity-centric team-building activities that bring your team members together beyond the office walls. By creating opportunities for authentic connections, you enable colleagues to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences, leading to meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
Simple yet effective initiatives can spark genuine team bonding and create a more inclusive work environment. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued, they become more engaged, empowered, and connected.
By prioritising team building and inclusivity, you can:
- Cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding.
- Encourage open communication and collaboration.
- Help employees feel valued, respected, and supported.
- Build a more cohesive and dynamic team.
Remember, a connected team is a thriving team.
Disability awareness training
Disability awareness training is a powerful tool for challenging and overcoming social stigmas and biases surrounding disabilities. It can be hosted by an external provider or through educational courses. Disability awareness training allows your team to have open and respectful discussions around disability inclusion.
Contributing to social causes or local community initiatives
Another way to raise awareness of the issues that face people from different backgrounds is to give your teams opportunities to volunteer for various causes. Getting involved with the community or volunteering exposes people to issues that matter to others and fosters a culture of greater understanding and awareness.
Consider volunteering for an initiative together as a team or allowing time off to encourage employees to find a cause or initiative they are passionate about.
Organise a travel immersion experience
If it is possible to do so, consider taking your team on a travel immersion experience, allowing them to delve into a new culture firsthand. Whether you’re visiting regional communities or venturing overseas, this unique opportunity enables team members to gain a deeper understanding of diverse customs and traditions.
Organise a book club
Consider organising a book club that encourages individuals to explore diversity through the written word. Engaging with stories about different cultures is a powerful way to cultivate empathy and understanding. Reading about diverse experiences and lives can offer valuable insights, helping you see the world from different angles.
A book club is an excellent way to facilitate this, providing a platform for participants to:
- Discover and engage with diverse voices and perspectives.
- Challenge assumptions and broaden their understanding.
- Foster meaningful discussions and connections with others.
Host language workshops
An excellent way to explore diverse perspectives is to learn and speak the languages of others. You might consider hosting workshops or classes that allow team members to learn a language other than their native tongue. Language classes are also a great way to learn new and valuable skills. Learning a language is a valuable investment for companies and organisations with international presence, enhancing communication, fostering global relationships, and driving success in diverse markets.
Movie nights
Discovering diverse perspectives through international cinema offers a unique window into the experiences and cultures of others, broadening our understanding and empathy. Movies and books help people to unearth the experiences of others. Watching and discussing movies together is an easy and enjoyable way to explore diverse stories.
Find an activity that suits you
There are many DE&I initiatives that you can invest in. Aside from the activities already mentioned, you may also consider:
- Employee resource groups.
- Cultural exchange.
- Setting up a DE&I committee.
- Diversity appreciation wall.
Hays is committed to taking initiative
At Hays NZ, we are committed to taking practical steps to promote diversity and inclusion. Our inclusion efforts include addressing the gender pay gap and engaging in diversity partnerships.
We are on the front foot when it comes to DEI initiatives. Discover more tips on how to improve DE&I in the workplace with Hays NZ.