The office space has evolved over the decades. From prison-like cubicles that say, ‘you were brought here to work’ to a more improved environment that sees workers as people with an emotion and a beating heart. An environment that encourages safety, personality and creativity. The growth has been exponential in a lot of ways. People feel a lot more comfortable being at work, doing work and showcasing their creativity.
Regardless of how much growth the workplace achieves, or how accommodating it becomes, the one thing that would always occur is conflict or crisis. People will be people. Workplaces might evolve but people, not so much.
In this article the aim is to address how DEI focused communication can help ease crises within the company, prevent animosity, ensure that everyone feels safe doing their work and interact with teammates and colleagues.
What is DEI communication?
DEI focused communication is one that embodies the tenets of DEI principles which are diversity, equity and inclusion. At the heart of every DEI communication is the philosophy of fairness. Management teams must wrap all forms of communication in that philosophy.
As the workplace becomes more open and diverse, a lot of people may not know how to cope with it. Confusions around what is appropriate to say and what not to say, how to act and how not to act, how to react to occasions and how not to. These things, incongruous as they may seem, affect people in different ways. When these issues boil over and become a crisis, management must employ strategic DEI communication tools to combat the problem and ensure everyone goes home, maybe not happy, but with the feeling of fairness.
Importance of DEI communication
Transparency with customers: When companies adopt DEI communications they are more able to connect with their wide customer base. They are able to share freely and the customers in turn feel seen.
Encourage diversity in the workplace: DEI communication encourages diversity in the workplace. When people feel heard and seen they tend to open up more and share their views.
Amplify innovation: When organizations adopt DEI communications they open up the floor for multiple ideas, experiences and thought processes. Providing an overflowing pool of ideas to select from.
How can DEI conversations be a strategic weapon against crisis?
Clear the Air and Reduce Ambiguity: Open discussions about expectations, cultural nuances, and potential biases can clear up misunderstandings and create a more predictable work environment. This predictability helps reduce anxiety and stress for everyone involved.
Boost Psychological Safety: When employees feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically without fear of judgment, they experience a sense of psychological safety. This fosters trust and collaboration and reduces the stress of navigating complex social situations.
Build Empathy and Understanding: By openly discussing diverse backgrounds and experiences, employees develop empathy and understanding for their colleagues. This reduces stress related to interpersonal conflicts and fosters a more supportive work environment.
Empower Bystanders to Take Action: DEI conversations equip employees to become upstanders when they witness microaggressions or discriminatory behavior. This reduces stress for both the target of the behavior and the bystander, who may otherwise feel helpless.
Encourage Trust: DEI communication ensures the assurance of fairness. Meaning when employees feel like the management embodies this philosophy they are more willing to open up and trust that decisions made are from a good place.
Conclusion
We have established that DEI communications, if strategically employed, can do wonders for the organization, its staff and customers. Ensuring a conflict free workplace. And in the event there’s a crisis, management is well equipped to handle it smoothly.
