Understanding DEI: What Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mean in the Workplace

Your DEI Minute

In this episode of the DEI Minute, Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work, discusses the fundamental components of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—in the workplace. Michelle breaks down each element, starting with the broad and nuanced concept of diversity, which encompasses not just race, gender, and sexual orientation but also age, ethnicity, disability status, communication styles, and more. She highlights how diversity can change depending on the setting and emphasizes the importance of understanding these variations to foster a truly inclusive environment.

Moving on to equity, Michelle clarifies the often-confused terms of equity and equality. She explains that equity involves providing fair opportunities and access, tailored to individual needs, to ensure everyone can succeed and thrive. Examples range from physical accommodations to ensuring pay equity. Finally, she discusses inclusion, which is about creating an environment where everyone can be authentic, feel valued, and genuinely belong. Michelle also touches on the broader implications of DEI, such as justice and belonging, and provides actionable advice on how organizations can start implementing these principles effectively.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Breakdown of Diversity: Definition and examples
• The expanded view of diversity beyond race, gender, and sexual orientation
• Importance of understanding diversity in different settings
• Equity vs. Equality: Definitions and Distinctions
• Examples and importance of equitable practices in the workplace
• Inclusion: Creating a supportive environment for every employee
• The concept of belonging and its relation to inclusion
• Extending DEI to include justice (DEIJ) and its implications
• Steps for organizations to begin their DEI work effectively