What it Really Means to be a Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Employer

On this episode of HRchat podcast, Kanarys CEO and co-founder, Mandy Price, sat down with podcast host, Bill Banham. The two discussed what it really means to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer, following the murder of George Floyd and as companies work to prioritize DEI. Here are some of the podcast highlights. 

DEI is more than just diversity

Over the past 16 months, companies have become more devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion, but Mandy says that there is still more work to be done — specifically when it comes to companies only focusing on hitting diversity quotas, rather than improving their inequitable systems that support employee retention. 

“We’ve seen, for so long, that many organizations have been focusing on the ‘D’ in DEI,” Mandy said. She wants organizations to understand and see the issues holistically, beyond just the “D” for diversity. She finds that the reason so many companies prioritize diversity is because it is easier to manage than equity and inclusion. When measuring diversity, it can easily be measured by percentages, but diversity is primarily seen within entry-level positions and not at the executive level. 

One of the main reasons why many workplace systems fail is the lack of attention to intersectionality, Mandy says. Kanarys helps companies look at diversity through an intersectional lens and has developed proprietary technology that analyzes the systems of a company and also assesses the employees’ experiences to understand if they are being given equitable resources and opportunities. Kanarys’ comprehensive DEI data and reports exceed the past use of employee engagement surveys that failed to measure equity and inclusion with an intersectional lens. This data is also critical for executives to find where to focus their attention within their companies. 

Workplace bias is a major issue

During the podcast, the need for a systems-based approach to supporting DEI in the workplace was highlighted when Mandy explained how bias is prevalent in many workplaces and what’s actually needed to dissolve those. She finds that the problem occurs when “you don’t have relationships or exposure to different people, and you’re relying on the biases and the preconceived notions that you may see on the news or different sources.” However, building those connections and relationships alone will not create an equitable workplace. Workplaces must make system changes that take into account the biases people have while also constantly testing and ensuring those policies, procedures, and practices are equitable — and Kanarys’ systems analytics will uncover this bias in the workplace and pair it with tracking and measurement.

Workplaces are ready for real change

In the final moments of the podcast, Mandy and Bill discussed what it really means to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive and also an attractive and attentive employer brand. The answer, according to Mandy, is companies need to actually do the work to dismantle inequitable systems and support their employees. Employees are not looking for perfection or performative marketing without any real substance; they want to see true, authentic movement toward change and have workplaces reflect the real world. 

Kanarys is Your DEI Champion

At Kanarys, we are the diversity, equity, and inclusion people with the data-driven approach. Since 2018, Kanarys has aimed to change the world by creating equitable workplaces where everyone belongs. We guide your organization’s DEI path every step of the way with courage and collaboration. It starts with data, analytics and insights, and continues with recommendations and implementation. 

Our mission, as your partner and champion in the ever-evolving DEI journey: Help you understand what it takes to foster lasting, systemic change today and for tomorrow. Because when you succeed with DEI, your employees can thrive—and so can your organization.