03.17.25
The Inclusion Blueprint: Five steps for building a sustainable DEI strategy
By Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, The Chamber
Whitney Harvey facilitates the March Inclusion Insights session and talks with participants about their DEI strategies.
AÂ sustainable DEI strategy requires intentionality, structure and a commitment to long-term progress. To create a lasting impact, organizations must approach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with purpose and dedication. At our last Inclusion Insights session on March 12, Whitney Harvey, Senior Director of Workforce Solutions at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, shared five steps for creating a sustainable DEI strategy that drives meaningful change.
1. Define Your Why
A sustainable DEI strategy begins with a clear understanding of why inclusion matters to your organization. Is your motivation rooted in an economic imperative, a moral responsibility and/or a business advantage? It may be a combination of these. Your ‘why’ serves as the foundation for your inclusion journey and helps address common questions such as:Â
- Why does this matter?Â
- Why now?Â
- Why is our organization taking this approach?Â
2. Develop a Clear Mission and Vision
Your mission defines your organization’s purpose in driving inclusion, while your vision articulates where you want to be in the future. Consider:Â
- What value do you want to bring to your employees and stakeholders?Â
- How will your organization contribute to a more inclusive workforce and community?Â
- Where do you see your sustainable DEI strategy in five years?Â
3. Gather Key Contributors
A sustainable DEI strategy cannot be successful in isolation. Organizations must engage key stakeholders, including:Â
- Executive leadership for top-down support.
- Employees from different backgrounds and functions.Â
- External community partners who share your inclusion goals and a vested interest in your mission.Â
Diverse perspectives will help ensure that strategies are well-rounded and practical, making implementation more effective.Â
4. Identify Opportunities
Conduct an internal assessment to understand where your organization currently stands. Consider best practice categories such as:Â
- Recruitment and retention.Â
- Workplace programs.Â
- Supplier diversity.Â
- Community engagement.Â
- Training and education.Â
By analyzing gaps and opportunities, your organization can focus on the most impactful initiatives within your sustainable DEI strategy.Â
5. Implement and Monitor Progress
After defining your goals and key focus areas, it’s time to put the sustainable DEI strategy into action. Use data and analytics to:Â
- Track hiring and retention trends.Â
- Measure employee engagement in DEI programs.Â
- Assess the effectiveness of training and initiatives.Â
Consistency is key. Regularly reviewing and refining your sustainable DEI strategy will ensure sustainable and meaningful progress.Â
Building a sustainable DEI strategy requires time, effort and resilience. While the journey can be challenging, staying intentional and committed will lead to lasting change. Inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s an ongoing journey that demands adaptability, dedication and leadership through change.Â
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR DEI JOURNEY?
On April 8, join us for The Pulse of DEI: Navigating Change and Driving Impact in Business to hear from industry leaders with firsthand experience guiding organizations through the complexities of evolving DEI strategies. Explore what’s working, uncover strategies to foster belonging and learn how to drive business value in today’s shifting landscape.