In recent years, DEI has moved from corporate buzzword to political flashpoint. The backlash has been loud, but often, the silence and confusion within organisations has been louder. Many employees feel unsure, disengaged, or quietly fatigued. This session offers an accessible, honest, and empowering space to make sense of that tension and to transform it into something more productive.
Donna de Haan, an accomplished professional in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) field, initiates a thought-provoking conversation on the current state and future directions of DEI initiatives. Donna shares her insights from her extensive experience, noting that many practitioners have had to defend the importance of DEI following a corporate backlash against these programs.
Donna underlines that it's no longer just about DEI not working for underrepresented groups; instead, the existing systems and ways of working may not be effective for many individuals, leading to widespread feelings of being squeezed, stressed, and trapped in these systems. To tackle this challenge, Donna advocates a shift from merely adding to these systems to reimagining and redesigning them to better serve a diverse range of employees.
Throughout the session, Donna emphasizes the importance of an open mindset and critical thinking when it comes to DEI. She encourages participants to consider the larger picture and understand the context behind DEI efforts. Donna discusses the concept of individuals feeling like they have to assimilate into organizations rather than being able to belong and be their authentic selves.
Donna introduces the idea of systemic resistance within organizations that she refers to as the organizational immune system. This resistance, often well-intentioned or unconscious, can impede change and make it challenging for equity and inclusion initiatives to succeed. She advises identifying how this resistance manifests in organizations and figuring out ways to navigate it effectively.
Donna emphasizes that DEI is not a campaign or communications plan but rather a fundamental way of working and leading. She asks participants to share their thoughts on outdated framing versus clear, constructive reframing and encourages those making progress to discuss their experiences. Donna delves into the topic of accountability in DEI efforts, explaining that awareness is crucial for understanding why certain actions are necessary and what immediate steps can be taken to help achieve DEI goals.
Donna shares valuable insights on creating psychological safety in the workplace, moving away from a 'them and us' narrative, addressing gaps between stated values and actual behaviors, focusing on shared behaviors over personal beliefs, and handling resistance within teams. Throughout the session, Donna addresses questions and comments from participants, encouraging collective responsibility for DEI and emphasizing respect for individual identities in a collaborative work environment. The expert session concludes with Donna advocating for a reimagining of current systems to better serve diverse employees and promote inclusion.
