Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become crucial elements of the modern workplace. The efforts to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace are an important step towards creating a healthy and productive working environment for all employees. However, while DEI initiatives are necessary, they can also be challenging to implement. One major challenge that many organizations face is DEI fatigue.
DEI fatigue is the feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm that can occur when individuals are continuously confronted with discussions, training, and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employees may feel that they are being bombarded with too many initiatives, or that they are not being heard in DEI discussions. They may also feel that DEI efforts are not making progress or that the responsibility for DEI falls solely on a certain group of employees. DEI fatigue can manifest in several ways, such as disengagement from DEI efforts, burnout, or even resentment towards DEI initiatives.
Overcoming DEI fatigue is important because it ensures that these efforts continue to move forward and are effective in creating a more inclusive workplace. Additionally, DEI fatigue can lead to disengagement and burnout among employees, which can have a negative impact on productivity, employee retention, and overall morale in the workplace. In this post, we will explore several strategies that can be used to overcome DEI fatigue.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks from DEI discussions and initiatives is critical to avoid burnout. Organizations must prioritize employee well-being by providing opportunities for employees to step away from work-related tasks, engage in hobbies or activities they enjoy, or take mental health days. Providing these opportunities can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment, which in turn can lead to greater productivity and employee retention.
It is essential to note that taking breaks from DEI initiatives should not mean a break from DEI efforts entirely. Instead, breaks should be structured and organized to ensure that employees can come back refreshed and ready to engage in DEI discussions and initiatives.
Focus on Progress, not Perfection
It can be easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done to create a more inclusive workplace. However, it is essential to focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrating small wins and acknowledging the progress that has been made is critical to overcoming DEI fatigue. Organizations should set achievable goals and track progress, so employees can see the positive impact of their work. This approach can help keep employees motivated and energized about DEI efforts.
Engage in Self-reflection
Taking time to reflect on your own biases and assumptions is essential to overcoming DEI fatigue. Employees should engage in self-reflection by reading literature on diversity and inclusion, attending training or workshops, or seeking out feedback from colleagues. Self-reflection helps individuals identify their unconscious biases and learn how to overcome them. This approach can help employees understand how their behaviour affects others and how they can contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
Foster Open Communication
Creating a space for open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns related to DEI efforts is essential. Organizations should create employee resource groups, implement feedback channels, or simply encourage open dialogue during team meetings. This approach can help employees feel heard and valued, which can lead to a greater sense of engagement and motivation towards DEI initiatives.
Share the Workload
DEI efforts should not fall solely on a certain group of employees. It is crucial to ensure that all employees are involved in DEI initiatives and share the workload. This can involve delegating tasks or creating a DEI task force that involves employees from all levels of the organization. Sharing the workload can help prevent burnout and ensure that DEI efforts are sustainable over the long term.
Prioritize Education and Training Education and training are key to creating a more inclusive workplace. DEI training can help employees understand different perspectives and experiences, challenge their biases, and learn strategies for promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace. Providing education and training is also a key way to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to DEI efforts and can help build trust with employees.
There are several types of DEI training that organizations can offer. One option is unconscious bias training, which helps employees recognize and address their implicit biases. These biases can impact decision-making and create barriers to inclusion. By acknowledging and addressing them, employees can become more aware of their own biases and work to reduce their impact on workplace interactions.
Another option is cultural competency training, which helps employees understand and respect cultural differences. This type of training can be particularly useful in diverse workplaces, where employees may come from different backgrounds and have different cultural norms and expectations. By understanding and respecting these differences, employees can create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Organizations can also offer training on allyship, which teaches employees how to be effective allies to underrepresented groups. This type of training can help employees understand how they can use their privilege and influence to create a more inclusive workplace. Allyship training can also help build empathy and understanding between employees from different backgrounds.
It’s important to note that DEI training should be ongoing, rather than a one-time event. Providing regular opportunities for education and training can help keep DEI efforts top of mind and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing progress. Regular training can also help reinforce key concepts and ensure that employees are up to date on the latest best practices.
Conclusion
Creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not an easy task, and it’s important to acknowledge that DEI efforts can be challenging and exhausting for employees. However, by taking a strategic approach and prioritizing employee well-being, progress over perfection, self-reflection, open communication, shared responsibility, and education and training, organizations can overcome DEI fatigue and create a more inclusive workplace.
It’s also important to note that DEI efforts are not a one-and-done task. Creating a more inclusive workplace requires ongoing effort and commitment. By staying vigilant and continuing to prioritize DEI efforts, organizations can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. This can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, as well as a better reputation and increased success for the organization as a whole.
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References:
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Holst, C. (2020). Overcoming DEI fatigue: how to keep pushing forward. Fast Company. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/90563807/overcoming-dei-fatigue-how-to-keep-pushing-forward
- Jackson, K. (2020). What is DEI fatigue and how can it be overcome? Culture Amp. Retrieved from https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/dei-fatigue-overcome/
- DeJan, C. (2021). How to overcome DEI fatigue in the workplace. Indeed. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/how-to-overcome-dei-fatigue-in-the-workplace
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Shiu, E. (2020). 7 tips to help overcome DEI fatigue in your organization. HR Dive. Retrieved from https://www.hrdive.com/news/7-tips-to-help-overcome-dei-fatigue-in-your-organization/586559/
This blog was originally published by Diversio EDU (formerly CCDI Consulting) in May 2023.
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