Why should you plan diversity and inclusion activities at work? 🧐
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion can help your business thrive. There are PLENTY of reasons why companies should implement DEI efforts, but let's discuss the two big ones:
- A diverse and inclusive environment helps your business attract and retain top talent. In fact, more than 3 out of 4 candidates and employees consider diversity and inclusion as vital factors when considering companies and job offers. 32% of candidates wouldn’t even consider applying to a company that’s lacking diversity.
- Fostering a more inclusive work environment leads to innovation, helps us unlearn unconscious biases, and better reflect the communities you serve. According to Deloitte, diversity in thinking boosts creativity and increases innovation by 20%.
So, what are some diversity team building activities for work? 🤔 We’ve got some great ideas (perfect for entire teams or employee resource groups) below.
💭 What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at work?
To learn how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, you need to understand the difference between each term!
- Diversity 👉 Diversity can be defined as the state of being different. When considering a diverse workforce, diversity encompasses various topics like race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and even religion.
- Equity 👉 Equity is about everyone having a level playing field and an equal opportunity to succeed. Achieving equity is easier said than done, but it’s something every workplace should strive for.
- Inclusion 👉 Inclusion efforts at work are the practice of celebrating diversity and creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and connected. Inclusion and diversity activities aim to foster a sense of belonging for all employees regularly, creating a safe space.
In addition to DEI initiatives, companies are shifting their focus to add two more ideas to the table:
- Belonging 👉 The feeling that someone’s uniqueness and individuality are not only accepted but also celebrated by their employer and colleagues.
- Justice 👉 The perception of fairness in the workplace in regard to the organization’s processes, hiring and promotion, and overall decision-making.
Bringing together these five ideas creates a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace. 🙌
For any organization to reach its goals, it must have a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. This is now considered the new standard of leadership.
5 fun inclusion activities to promote team bonding and workplace diversity 🥳
Here are five fun diversity and inclusion activities that you can put on the diversity calendar to foster an inclusive workplace.
✨ All diversity and inclusion activities mentioned below are created & led by an individual from the community the experience represents ✨
1. AAPI History & Culture Trivia 🌸
AAPI History & Culture Trivia is a great way to learn about the diverse experiences and perspectives of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees.
In small groups, teams can test their knowledge and learn something new! After the game, encourage employees to debrief with a respectful discussion about what they learned and how they can create an inclusive culture at work.
Why is this a great diversity activity? This entertaining employee engagement activity celebrates all different cultures in the AAPI community.
How to get started 👉 Gather the entire team for AAPI History & Culture Trivia today!
2. Sign Language Workshop 🤟
Our Sign Language Workshop is a great way to boost diversity and inclusion in your workplace culture. You’ll walk away after with a better understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
In addition to learning and practicing signing basics, your enthusiastic host will quiz you with trivia questions about Deaf history and culture!
Why is this a great diversity activity? A sign language workshop is a great way to put yourself in someone else's shoes and promote awareness for the hard of hearing and deaf community.
How to get started 👉 Support diversity with a Sign Language Workshop!
3. Black Cultural Impact Class 📚
In this class, discover the major impact Black culture has had on America and American history.
After the Black Cultural Impact Class, you'll better appreciate the contributions of Black Americans to America’s history and heritage. It's also a great way to get to know your co-workers better!
Why is this a great diversity activity? This class provides a history lesson with real life stories from the Black community. Grab a pencil and piece of paper and get ready to learn!
How to get started 👉 Celebrate diverse talents with a Black Cultural Impact Class!
4. LGBTQIA+ History & Culture Trivia 🌈
Our host will keep the energy up while your team tests their knowledge & learn something new! Understanding and celebrating queer culture is a surefire way to break down barriers and promote inclusion in the workplace.
Why is this a great diversity activity? Our LGBTQIA+ trivia is a fun, energizing way to learn more about the diverse backgrounds of the LGBTQIA+ community.
How to get started 👉 Foster inclusion with LGBTQIA+ History & Culture Trivia today!
5. Women in Cacao Chocolate Tasting 🍫
Do you love chocolate and want to learn about how chocolate is made while learning about different backgrounds? If so, then our Woman in Cacao Chocolate Tasting is the perfect activity for you!
In this virtual class, you'll get to sample some delicious chocolate while learning about the important role that women play in the chocolate-making process.
Why is this a great diversity activity? This experience gives teams the opportunity to talk with other like-minded individuals about ways to promote cultural diversity at work.
How to get started 👉 Learn about Women in Cacao Chocolate Tasting today!
We're champions of your DE&I initiatives 🏆
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital to us. In fact, we’d even say we're champions of diversity and inclusion team building activities in the workplace, especially when encouraging team members working from home.
Ready to make DEI initiatives fun and employees feel valued? 🥳 Planning your full experience is just a few clicks away. (No, literally, just a few clicks!)