04.08.25
Belonging in the workplace: Rethinking your DEI Business Strategy
By Hannah Anderson, Director of Content Strategy, The Chamber
(Left to right) Jane Vangsness Frisch, Whitney Harvey, Mike Arntson and Colette Campbell on stage at The Pulse of DEI on April 8.
Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace is a critical component of every strong DEI business strategy. In today’s business landscape, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) cannot be approached as a one-time initiative or checked box on a strategic plan. These efforts must be built into the core of how an organization operates—from hiring and leadership development to workplace culture and long-term growth strategy.
This perspective was front and center during The Pulse of DEI, a recent event hosted by The Chamber. Panelists shared their expertise – explaining how DEI is about people, purpose and performance. And how, when done well, it becomes a powerful business advantage.
DEI IS NOT A TREND—IT’S IMPERATIVE
DEI is not about giving anyone an unfair advantage or meeting quotas. It’s about making sure all people are seen, supported and set up for success. That means creating systems where resources are equitably distributed, cultures are inclusive and every person feels like they belong in the workplace.
When efforts lack structure or aren’t integrated into larger business goals, it becomes easy to lose momentum. A resilient DEI business strategy requires focus and alignment. The key, shared by Whitney Harvey of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, is to simplify the approach and ask yourself:
- What does DEI mean for my organization?
- Why does it matter to our people and our mission?
- How can I make this happen in a way that’s authentic and sustainable?
STRENGTHENING YOUR DEI BUSINESS STRATEGY: WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
Whether you're reigniting momentum, building from scratch or sustaining long-term efforts, this work requires intentionality, reflection and the willingness to evolve.
“When you face challenges, it forces you to get creative. That’s where opportunity lives.”
— Colette Campbell, Chief People and Culture Officer at Bremer Bank
Here are several actions you can take today to build belonging in the workplace and elevate your DEI business strategy:
- Start a conversation with your team about what belonging truly looks like.
- Advocate for stronger leadership involvement and accountability.
- Rethink how you define and measure success.
- Conduct an audit of your hiring and promotion practices for equity.
- Embed DEI principles into onboarding and leadership development.
- Create opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and included.
- Set specific, realistic DEI goals aligned with your business strategy.
- Join peer groups or professional networks focused on DEI learning.
The important part is that you take the step—because culture doesn’t shift without action.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Dive deeper into the issues shaping our region’s workforce and business climate at The Pulse. Next month, we will explore The Pulse of Crime: Safety, Perception and Business Impact and bring together local law enforcement leaders for a robust discussion on the state of safety and crime in our region.
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