How does an organization know if its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program will be effective in today’s, sometimes contentious, multicultural climate?
How should systemic racism and other issues be addressed in the workplace?
With the support of 112 global experts from around the world, we now know what makes for the success of DEI programs.
Heather Price, Symmetra’s very own CEO, was part of this monumental effort as an Expert Panellist. Bringing her extensive consulting experience working with global organizations on their DEI programs and training executive teams on diversity and inclusion, her contribution and its outcome are a reflection of what Symmetra stands for as a company.
The Centre for Global Inclusion’s 2021 GDEIB edition—the fourth since 2006 (all of which Heather has contributed to as an Expert Panellist)—keeps pace with present-day, real-world matters including the way work is changing because of the pandemic. This includes the accelerated pace of change, advances in technology including AI, and increased focus and attention on equity in light of pervasive racism.
“People are no longer satisfied with superficial or inauthentic intentions of change by their leaders,” says co-author Nene Molefi, Managing Director, Mandate Molefi, Johannesburg, South Africa. “They want to see real action.”
The GDEIB describes what is necessary to do DEI work well. Specifically, it needs to be strategic, must be tied to the mission and goals of an organization, led with competence and implemented in a systemic and sustainable way.
Agreed upon by 112 experts and three authors, the GDEIB’s 275 benchmarks encompass fifteen categories with five progression levels: Inactive, Reactive, Proactive, Progressive, and Best Practices.
Co-author Julie O’Mara, Chair of the Board of The Centre for Global Inclusion, Las Vegas, NV, adds, “Bold actions are needed to communicate clearly to all stakeholders how adamant organizations are in addressing discrimination, inequity, and exclusion. The GDEIB approach is definitely not a quick fix. It guides organizations on how to impact systemic change in addressing racism and other concerning DEI issues.”
“The GDEIB truly offers a systemic perspective on managing diversity, equity and inclusion,” remarks co-author Alan Richter, PhD, President, QED Consulting, New York, NY. “The GDEIB spells out what good, better, and best work looks like. It readily frames where and how an organization can focus its capabilities to reach best practices.”
The GDEIB and a suite of supporting tools, including slides, activities, and other items, are available free of charge.
The downloadable Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmarks: Standards for Organizations Around the World (GDEIB), is available at www.centreforglobalinclusion.org.