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

In this first episode of Your DEI Minute, host Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work, details a practical, five-step framework for setting up an organization's successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program. She discusses why crucial steps must be taken to establish a solid foundation no matter where an organization is on its DEI journey.

These steps include:

1. Taking an honest look at the current state of DEI within your organization.
2. Setting clear and tangible goals
3. Fully resourcing the work
4. Ensuring comprehensive education and communication
5. Maintaining an agile approach to adapt to unforeseen challenges and opportunities.

Michelle dives deeper into each step with practical advice and real-world examples. She speaks at length about the importance of data in understanding where the organization currently stands and how to set realistic goals. She also discusses the necessity of internal and external resources to fully support DEI initiatives and stresses the significance of continuous education to ensure everyone in the organization is aligned with DEI principles.

Throughout the episode, Michelle emphasizes that DEI is an ongoing journey, not a one-time box-checking exercise, and requires consistent commitment and agility to adapt to evolving needs.

To learn more or connect with Michelle, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/

Welcome to Your DEI Minute. your go-to podcast for leaders looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace