In the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, we must remember that it is not about offering special treatment but about instilling belongingness.
He was new to the office- the recent hire everyone was talking about. They called him a ‘diversity hire’. He felt glad he could work without hassle while still identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. He had been clear that he wanted it to be a part of his professional identity.
But a couple of months later, he began doubting his decision. Bringing his whole identity to work came with unexpected hurdles. While there was an open attitude in the workplace, his actions and achievements always began with ‘our diversity hire’. He felt that his identity overshadowed his ability. He wanted the experience of a regular employee, not a ‘special’ employee.
Why does he feel so? Let us look closely and see the true meanings of DEI.
Diversity is having a variety of people. Inclusion is about instilling belongingness. Equity is providing the appropriate aid customized to the needs of the person in question to foster inclusion. Equity bridges diversity and inclusion.
–Diversity: Diversity is easily achievable through policies and recruitment practices. Diversity does not pertain to an individual and describes the dynamics of a group. Every individual in the group is unique.
–Equity: While equity helps us get to inclusion, one must take care to do it over time. Equipping a candidate with support is good but better if staggered over time. The organization must remember that the aid lifts a person to match the comforts of a regular employee and not elevate them in any way
-Inclusion: Inclusivity gets trickier. When we make efforts to include a person from a diverse background, it should instill inclusion without exclusion.
Practicing inclusion without pushing the person into a ‘special’ category includes acknowledging a person for their skills and not for their specialty. It is a part of them and not everything. Inclusion must include an individual as a whole and not part of them.
