A DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) toolkit is a critical resource for HR leaders. It’s a comprehensive document including guidelines and educational materials created specifically for your company. When done correctly, DEI toolkits help workplaces:

1. Foster diversity in hiring and staffing
2. Encourage equitable opportunities for employees
3. Create an inclusive space for everyone to perform at their best

What’s Commonly Included In A DEI Toolkit?

While every DEI toolkit should be unique to its organization, there are common diversity and inclusion tools to consider. As you build your kit, consider these 10 DEI tools:

1. Educational Resources: To create a learning baseline for your employees. These can include articles and videos that explain DEI basics and more advanced concepts.
2. Best Practices: Practical and replicable methods for inclusive hiring, fostering diverse teams, addressing workplace conflicts and promoting equal opportunities.
3. Company Policies: Made readily available and including anti-discrimination policies, equal opportunity statements and codes of conduct.
4. Training Materials: Materials to host DEI Training Sessions for new employees, team workshops and leadership offsites.Yes, Even Leadership Needs DEI Training!
5. Yes, Even Leadership Needs DEI Training!
6. Checkpoints: These include employee surveys and 1-on-1s to gauge employee learning and satisfaction with your DEI strategy.
7. Case Studies: Real-world testimonials and case studies to demonstrate how other organizations have successfully implemented DEI strategies and overcome challenges.
8. Purpose Statement: To help you effectively communicate the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion both internally and externally.
9. External References: Provide information about outside organizations that specialize in DEI in case additional support is needed.
10. Measurement Tools: To collect and analyze data related to diversity and inclusion, enabling you to measure progress over time.
11. Employee Resource Group (ERG) Guide: A how-to on creating ERGs so that employees can take DEI learning into their own hands.

What’s The Purpose Of A DEI Toolkit?

DEI toolkits are an invaluable resource for companies committed to building diverse and inclusive workforces. These toolkits offer a structured framework that outlines clear, actionable strategies and resources to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into every facet of the organization. They include comprehensive guidelines on best practices for recruitment, hiring, and employee development, ensuring that DEI principles are embedded in the company’s processes and culture.

Moreover, DEI toolkits are designed to enhance employees' understanding of DEI concepts through educational materials such as training modules, workshops, and informational resources. By providing these learning opportunities, the toolkits empower employees to better recognize and address biases, appreciate diverse perspectives, and contribute to a more inclusive work environment. As a result, organizations not only create a more equitable workplace but also enhance overall employee satisfaction and performance.

Who Benefits From Creating A DEI Toolkit?

DEI toolkits are critical to any organization where people work together. Businesses, non-profits, educational institutions and more all benefit from having a comprehensive DEI toolkit. If you want to create a work culture where everyone feels valued, included and satisfied, DEI toolkits are a must.

How Can I Build A DEI Toolkit?

Building a DEI toolkit from scratch can seem daunting at first, but we’ve broken it down into X concrete steps. Complete each one and you’ve got a comprehensive strategy that’s ready to launch!

Define Your Goals and Objectives

Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your DEI toolkit. Identify the specific areas you want to address, such as inclusive hiring practices, training, policies, or cultural awareness.

Conduct a Needs Assessment

Evaluate your organization's current DEI efforts and identify gaps. This assessment will guide you in determining what content and resources are needed in the toolkit. These 25 questions are a great starting point.

Create and Source Materials

Gather a range of relevant resources, such as articles, videos, templates, policy samples, case studies, and training materials. Ensure the content is accurate and up-to-date.

Educational Resources

Develop educational materials that explain key DEI concepts, including definitions and benefits of diversity and inclusion. Use a variety of formats, such as infographics, guides and FAQs.

Practical Guidelines

Offer actionable steps and best practices for implementing DEI initiatives within your organization. Include guidance on creating inclusive policies, conducting bias training and fostering a respectful workplace culture.

Policy Templates

Create templates for DEI-related policies, such as equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, and harassment prevention. Customize these templates to align with your organization's values and practices.

DEI Training Program

Select a training course that covers various aspects of DEI, such as unconscious bias, cultural competency and creating an inclusive team environment.

Design Your DEI Toolkit

Organize your toolkit in a user-friendly format. Use headings, subheadings, and visuals to make the toolkit visually engaging and easy to navigate.

Here’s an example from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work.

Select Measurement Tools

Develop tools to measure the impact of your DEI initiatives. This could include surveys, assessments, and metrics to track progress over time.

This is a great list of popular measurement tools.

Test and Review

Before finalizing your toolkit, test its usability with a select group of employees. Gather feedback and make necessary revisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Evaluate and Refine

Periodically assess the impact of your DEI toolkit. Use feedback, data, and user experiences to refine the toolkit's content and structure for ongoing improvement.

Launch and Train

Launch the toolkit within your organization. Provide training sessions to introduce employees to the toolkit's content and how to use it effectively.

Promote and Update

Continuously promote your toolkit internally, highlighting its value and encouraging employees to utilize its resources. Regularly update the toolkit with new content and best practices.

Start Your DEI Journey Today

Everyone is accountable for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Luckily, there are training programs to support your journey. CT3 makes positive workplace behavior possible. With engaging and accessible modules, teams who use CT3 focus on active learning, not passive attendance. CT3 is transformation through training. Take the first step for your team today.

‍