Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in your work environment is essential if you hope to retain the top-performing talent in your industry. Having a diverse workforce is essential, and far too many workers feel the need to modify their appearance or conduct to fit in with the culture in their workplace.
Having your professional employer organization (PEO) provider develop comprehensive DEI programs could set your company apart from competitors that do not see the value in diversity and inclusion at work. NetPEO can get you matched with a PEO provider who takes your need to diversify seriously. Explore your DEI program options further when you contact our team for a services consultation.
What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace?
Understanding DEI is crucial to implementing a powerful DEI program through your PEO provider. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) refer to the attitudes, business practices, and policies of your company that will promote a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse work environment for your team members.
This way, all employees feel included, valued, and respected. When you provide your employees with this type of work atmosphere, productivity increases, loyalty is boosted, and your business can reduce turnover rates by helping employees reach their full potential.
Diversity
Having diversity in the workplace means that you hire employees with a substantial range of characteristics, including:
- National origin
- Gender
- Disability
- Race
- Religious beliefs
- Social status
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Veteran status
- Sexual orientation
When you diversify your workforce, you can utilize the life experience and skills of employees with multiple differences and underrepresented backgrounds.
Equity
Equity is often confused with equality. Equality means all employees are treated equally. However, equity means all employees have the same opportunities for success.
This means your employees should have the same chances to succeed as other employees, no matter what their background. Equity means that no matter where an employee comes from, their race, social status, or other background, they will have the same chances as others, even if they need additional support along the way.
Inclusion
Inclusion in the workplace is crucial. If your workplace does not foster feelings of inclusion, respect, and value, you are far more likely to lose some of the best talents in your industry. Underrepresented groups should have the same decision-making opportunities as other employees. This can boost productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction.
It can also lead to innovation, collaboration of team members, and improved communication across your work environment. When you have a more inclusive work environment, you can reduce turnover rates, retain the highest quality employees, and boost morale among your team members.
How Your PEO Can Support DEI Initiatives
It can be difficult to develop a DEI program on your own. Fortunately, when you work with a PEO, you do not have to worry about building these services from scratch. Your PEO will have comprehensive benefits and service packages to choose from, where you can carefully select the DEI initiatives that best suit your business needs.
Some of the top-rated DEI programs will give your business the competitive edge it needs. Here are some of the benefits and advantages of having your PEO develop your company’s DEI program:
Expertise in Employee Relations
Having a PEO working for you gives you access to a team of human resources professionals that can offer your business the support it needs.
With your PEO’s experience in DEI program development, you can ensure your employee handbooks are inclusive and comprehensive. They contain procedures and policies to promote a productive and healthy work environment. When you have happy employees that feel valued, it can make all the difference in the success of your business.
Harassment Prevention and Diversity Training
Extensive DEI initiatives should also include diversity training and harassment prevention plans. One of the biggest issues companies may need to deal with are allegations surrounding harassment, particularly with underrepresented groups.
Your PEO understands these concerns and will craft DEI programs to foster a supportive workplace. Your PEO will ensure both management and employees understand how diversity works, what your company’s values are, and the steps you are taking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at work.
Ensure EEO Compliance
You might be surprised to learn that your business must remain in compliance with state and federal laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for overseeing diversity, harassment, and inclusion in work environments.
Failure to adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules and regulations could result in sanctions, penalties, and lawsuits if your employees file employment or labor law violation complaints. Your PEO will handle any complaints that may arise and ensure your business is in compliance at every level.
Provide Objectivity
It is common for older Caucasian management professionals to be less objective regarding the success of DEI programs. When you have a PEO working for you, you can ensure your management team is properly trained and objectively assessed. Your PEO provider will determine which procedures, protocols, programs, and other opportunities need improvement and which may be performing optimally.
Inclusive Employee Benefits
Your PEO provider can help to promote DEI in your workplace by offering comprehensive insurance and retirement benefits packages to employees. This can often reduce racial gaps and allow your team members to access retirement savings plans at a lower rate than would otherwise be available to a smaller or medium-sized business.
Your PEO Can Develop a Comprehensive DEI Program for Your Team
For your company’s DEI initiatives to be successful, leadership should all be on the same page. Having your PEO develop a comprehensive DEI program could make all the difference. This way, you can foster the environment you envisioned and show your employees that they matter as they are.
You can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace with help from your PEO provider. When you are ready to get started, contact NetPEO to find the right call employer for your company. You can reach us through our online contact form or by phone to start looking at DEI program selections as soon as today.
