OpenSesame
DEI Toolkit
A hub of resources and ideas to help you develop more diverse, equitable and inclusive workspaces.
While every organization is unique–diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs can generally be categorized into four levels. If you’re not sure which level your organization is, complete our DEI Progress Survey to find out. Then, use the resources on this page to continue progressing in your DEI efforts.
Level 1: Arising
Your organization is beginning to have awareness of DEI. At this level, organizations should prioritize determining if there are barriers impeding the employment, opportunity or inclusion of individuals from different demographic groups.
Resources to help Arising organizations get started:
How to Write DEI Policy That Works
A recent study found that companies with more diverse workforces are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. However, writing a DEI policy can feel like a daunting task. What should you include? How do you make sure it’s effective?
Level 2: Reactive
Your organization plays defense, making changes only when made necessary by outside forces. To move beyond this compliance mindset, demonstrate how your DEI strategy can be a competitive advantage.
Resources to help Reactive organizations get started:
Getting Started with Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
When establishing ERGs, it’s important to ensure that ERG leaders have the resources they need to support their group and drive meaningful change at their organizations. We’ve put together this curated list of the most relevant and up to date resources available.
Level 3: Proactive
Leadership and employees alike are engaged and seek to take advantage of the change happening around them to make a real impact. To elevate your program, think about systematic strategies you can use to improve DEI.
Resources to help Proactive organizations get started:
Level 4: Optimizing
Your organization is actively involved in designing a desired future and then investing in strategies to create that future DEI state. You likely already have a comprehensive DEI plan supporting internal and external goals and are committed to continuous improvement.
Resources to help Optimizing organizations get started:
Become a DEI Corporate Trainer
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) trainers are trusted experts in integrating diversity within the workplace as well as keeping the workplace free of harassment issues. Becoming a DEI trainer requires a thoughtful education and the pursuit of reliable certification.
Featured Article
Generative AI for DEIB Professionals: In this recorded session, Jess Jackson & Megan Torrance will cover what generative AI actually is, and how you can use it as an assistant, a thought partner, a brainstorming muse, or even as part of a learning experience itself. Read more >>