Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies

Chapter 12

Tracking, Measuring, and Reporting the Progress of DEI Efforts

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using metrics effectively

Understanding why tracking DEI is difficult

Creating a scorecard for your DEI initiatives

Presenting accurate DEI data to company leaders

One of the most common questions I receive from leaders is “How do you measure the success of DEI initiatives?” In the United States, companies that embark on implementing DEI strategies often track the conventional measurements of representation and rely on counting the number of people who belong to certain categories, such as BIPOC (that is, Black, indigenous, and other people of color — Hispanic, Asian, Native American); women; and sometimes age groups, people with disabilities, and veterans. They’re mainly tracked in recruitment, promotions, and turnover.

But many other metrics can help an organization gain a sense of how effective its DEI efforts are and how all employees, especially those who are among the marginalized groups, are experiencing the workplace every day.

As a leader, you have to be intentional about the metrics ...