Many leaders driving diversity initiatives across their organisations do not necessarily know what best practice looks like. Often they are not certain as to how to set desired standards as they strategise and plan how to manage diversity and foster inclusion.
The Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks Tool (© Julie O'Mara & Alan Richter) identifies 14 categories against which to assess diversity initiatives objectively, based on international best practice.
Diversity Consulting will assist you to derive maximum benefit from this tool validated by an international panel of experts including Heather Price, CEO of Diversity Consulting.
Why use benchmarks?
Benchmarks can be used to set and stretch standards.
Standards are helpful for employees and managers because they help define excellent practice. So you can use benchmarks as part of a strategy and planning process to set standards for achievement regarding diversity practices in your organisation. Likewise, you can use benchmarks to help stretch your existing standards as you continue striving toward excellence.
Benchmarks can be used to engage employees and promote accountability for progress.
Have teams discuss benchmarks and reach consensus on the level at which their department or organisation currently rates. Doing this repeatedly and tracking over time can show progress of your organisation in priority areas.
Benchmarks can be used to determine short-term and long-term diversity and inclusion goals.
Use your organisation's benchmark scores to determine which of the categories are most important or strategic to focus on, and then set goals for increasing your percentage/scores.
Benchmarks can be used to develop or align organisational capabilities to maximise diversity.
Use these benchmarks as the basis for determining what capabilities and/or competencies are needed to reach the desired standards in each category and then ensure that existing organisational capabilities and knowledge, skills and personal abilities meet these benchmark standards.
The 14 categories against which to assess diversity practice are:
- Vision, Goals and Policies
- Leadership and Accountability
- Infrastructure and Implementation
- Work Schedules and Rules/Flexibility
- Job Design, Classification and Compensation
- Employee Benefits and Services
- Measurement, Research and Assessment
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- Recruitment, Staffing and Advancement
- Diversity Training and Education
- Diversity Communications
- Performance Improvement, Training and Career Development
- Community and Government Relations
- Products, Services and Supplier Relations
- Marketing and Customer Service
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This tool can be used for free. Please contact Diversity Consulting to arrange permission and obtain instructions.
