Workplace Culture: Does an Organization Value Diversity & Inclusion

The words company, organization, and program are often used interchangeably.  Company culture is the sum of an organization’s attitudes, ideals, and attributes. Company culture may not be expressly written but can be seen when observing the actions and behaviors of its employees. You can identify the company culture of an organization before working there to see whether a job would be a good fit by doing a little research.

Mission & Values

  • Is diversity or inclusion mentioned as a priority?
  • Is there a person in Human Resources or on the leadership teams whose title relates to diversity, such as a Chief Diversity Officer?

Diversity Statements

  • Is there a Diversity Statement?
  • Is it generic?

Diversity Initiatives

  • Diversity Training: Intentional unconscious bias training with action-oriented strategies
  • Complaints System: Channels for grievances that are safe from retaliation
  • Inclusive Language: Does onboarding include training on politically correct, gender-neutral, and inclusive language?
  • Honoring Differences: Are cultural and religious differences acknowledged and honored?
  • Reporting Progress: Annual report of goals and achievements around Diversity Initiatives

Affinity/Identity Groups

  • An affinity group, sometimes known as a resource group, is a gathering of people who share an identity such as race, gender, religion, country of origin, language, family status, etc.
  • Individuals who participate in affinity groups recognize that their identity affects the way in which they move through the world.

Awards or Recognition for DEI

 Inclusive Language

  • Inclusive language avoids biases, slang, or expressions that discriminate against groups of people based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
  • Inclusive language allows you to resonate with more audiences by speaking and writing in more impartial ways.

Organization Demographics

  • Leadership Team
  • Board of Directors
  • Department Faculty
  • Fellow Students

Faculty Research Topics

  • Program Website
  • Faculty Research

Employee Benefits: An inclusive benefit is a benefit that’s accessible to all employees regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

  • Holidays and Paid Time Off (floating holidays)
  • Parental Leave (all parents)
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Family-building Benefits (fertility)
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Gender-Affirming Benefits
  • Caregiving Benefits
  • Wellness Benefits
  • Diverse Healthcare Providers
  • Tuition Assistance and Financial Education

Online Resources

Top 20 companies with best diversity and inclusion numbers overall:

Allstate Bank of New York Mellon Gap Progressive Walgreens Boots Alliance
Amazon.com Biogen Intel Target Walmart
Anthem Centene Microsoft Verizon Communications Wells Fargo
 Bank of America Citigroup Nike Visa

Questions to ask in Interview

  • I see diversity is listed in the company’s values. Can you share some examples of how you promote it?
  • How is diversity shown to be an important value at this company?
  • What diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence training is required?
  • What does the company do to help ensure inclusion?
  • How would you describe your corporate culture in five words?
  • What kind of employee achievements does the company recognize?
  • What kind of philanthropy does the company contribute to or participate in?
  • What are your most important values?
  • How important is diversity to you, and what value does it bring?
  • What are you doing to make sure everyone feels included?
  • Can you share data on the organization’s diversity?