What is Diversity & Inclusion?
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another, combined with organizational efforts and practices in which different groups or individuals having different backgrounds are culturally and socially accepted and welcomed. Diversity empowers people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different, in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and national origin. Inclusion creates an environment where people of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
Diversity allows for the exploration of differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It means understanding one another by surpassing simple tolerance to ensure people truly value their differences. Inclusion is a sense of belonging where inclusive cultures make people feel respected and valued for who they are as an individual or group. In simple terms, diversity is the mix and inclusion is getting the mix to work well together.
Related terms: DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), equity, belonging, workplace diversity
What are the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion each represent distinct concepts that interact with and rely on one another. Diversity acknowledges all the ways people differ: race, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and more. Inclusion is about diversity in practice, the act of welcoming, supporting, respecting, and valuing all individuals and groups.
Equity distributes resources based on needs rather than providing the same resources to everyone. Where equality is a system in which each individual is offered the same opportunities regardless of circumstance, equity recognizes that not everyone starts from the same place, and adjustments are made to address this imbalance. Equity is the goal of diversity and inclusion.
Why do we need diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Organizations need to allocate the required resources and training to attract the right employees with the best minds and skills. In today's war for talent, this may require looking beyond the traditional recruitment pool. The onset of globalization has led to a demographic shift, with increased mobility in migrant workers and the need for a talented and skilled workforce resulting in diversity becoming a key driver in economic growth across the world.
The benefits of a diverse workforce provide social harmony at work for employees and increase productivity and profitability that help organizations succeed in the global marketplace. According to research, businesses with a healthy balance of men and women are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors, while businesses with a good mix of ethnic backgrounds are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors. Teams that are gender, age, and ethnically diverse make better decisions up to 87% of the time.
How does diversity and inclusion impact business performance?
Openness to diversity widens access to the best talent, and inclusion allows organizations to engage talent effectively. Together, this leads to enhanced innovation, creativity, productivity, reputation, engagement, and results. Evidence shows that when people feel valued, they function at full capacity and feel part of the organization's mission, creating higher performing organizations where motivation and morale soar.
According to Glassdoor, 67% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an important factor when considering employment opportunities, and more than 50% of current employees want their workplace to do more to increase diversity. This demonstrates that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to attracting and retaining top talent.
What is the difference between equality and equity?
Equality provides the same resources, opportunities, and treatment for all people without accommodating their backgrounds or resources. Equity provides everyone with the unique resources and opportunities they need to reach an equal outcome. Whereas equality means providing equal access to everyone regardless of differences in need, equity means recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place, and adjustments are made to address this imbalance.
Equity is ongoing because new differences emerge, whereas equality remains the same because each individual is provided the same resources or access. When you reach for equity, you're striving for a system that benefits everyone, no matter their circumstance.
What does belonging mean in the context of diversity and inclusion?
Belonging infers that an equitable structure is in place and functioning to make all people, no matter their differences, feel welcome. When you reach for equity and achieve belonging, no one feels as if their inclusion is questioned. The process of inclusion engages each individual and makes people feel valued as being essential to the success of the organization.
Inclusion is a sense of belonging where inclusive cultures make people feel respected and valued for who they are as an individual or group. People feel a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so they can do their best at work.
How does Diversity & Inclusion compare to similar concepts?
Diversity & Inclusion is often compared to 4 related concepts:
| Related Term | Key Distinction | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) | DEI adds equity to D&I, addressing systemic ways access to resources is unequally distributed | Organizations addressing systemic imbalances and fairness in resource distribution |
| DIB (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) | DIB adds belonging to D&I, emphasizing the feeling of being welcomed and valued | Organizations focusing on psychological safety and sense of community |
| DEB (Diversity, Equity & Belonging) | DEB combines equity and belonging with diversity, focusing on fair systems and welcome environments | Organizations balancing resource distribution with emotional connection |
| Justice | Justice is the mission of equity, eliminating systemic problems so resources are fairly distributed without intervention | Long-term goal where equitable systems work so well they eliminate the need for ongoing adjustments |
Diversity & Inclusion vs. DEI
Diversity & Inclusion focuses on acknowledging differences and making all groups feel welcome, while DEI also addresses the systemic ways access to things, such as education, food, the web, and more, are unequally distributed. DEI encompasses the symbiotic relationship, philosophy, and culture of acknowledging, embracing, supporting, and accepting those of all racial, sexual, gender, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, among other differentiators.
Diversity & Inclusion vs. DIB
Where D&I focuses on recognizing differences and creating welcoming practices, DIB adds belonging as a core component. Belonging infers that an equitable structure is in place and functioning to make all people feel welcome, ensuring no one feels their inclusion is questioned.
Diversity & Inclusion vs. DEB
D&I emphasizes difference recognition and welcoming practices, while DEB combines equity (fair resource distribution based on need) and belonging (sense of being valued and welcomed). DEB organizations work to both adjust resources based on individual needs and create emotional connections where people feel they truly belong.
Diversity & Inclusion vs. Justice
D&I works to acknowledge differences and create inclusive environments, while justice is the ultimate goal where equitable systems work so well they eventually eliminate the systemic problems driving the need for equity interventions. Justice means everything is fairly and evenly distributed to people no matter their race, gender, physical ability, or other personal circumstances without ongoing adjustments.