15 Best Diversity and Inclusion Activities in the Workplace

Building a successful workplace thrives on a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives in today’s globalized world. That is where diversity and inclusion come in—they are not just a buzzword but the key to unlocking a powerhouse team.

By fostering a truly inclusive culture through engaging diversity and inclusion activities, you celebrate differences, empower innovation, boost job satisfaction, and drive success.

Want to harness the power of diversity and inclusion and create a connected team? Book a demo with us and strengthen your team with fun and exciting games.

This list explores the 15 best diversity and inclusion activities, including virtual team-building options, to supercharge your company culture.

1. Diversity Awareness Workshop

A “Diversity Awareness Workshop” is a structured learning experience designed to boost awareness and understanding about diversity in the workplace (or any group setting).

This workshop goes beyond acknowledging differences to foster an inclusive and respectful physical environment for everyone. Here is a breakdown of the key aspects.

• Raising Awareness and Understanding: This diversity workshop will explore race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and more, using discussions, presentations, and multimedia resources to foster understanding of the experiences and perspectives from different backgrounds.
• Interactive Inclusion Activities: Learning goes beyond lectures! These diversity team-building activities are designed to be engaging and participatory. Interactive exercises might include the following.
  • Simulations: Participants experience scenarios highlighting unconscious bias or microaggressions, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Role-playing: Participants act out situations to practice effective communication and conflict resolution in diverse settings.
  • Group Discussions: Open and respectful discussions encourage participants to convey their experiences and views in a safe space.

Participants gain a deeper knowledge of diversity, develop practical skills for interacting with others, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and respectful setting for everyone.

2. Conscious Bias Training

Conscious bias training is a multi-pronged approach that tackles the often-unseen issue of unconscious bias in the workplace, aiming to raise awareness and equip employees with strategies to address these hidden biases.

The core concept of conscious bias training lies in bringing unconscious biases to light. These are automatic judgments and stereotypes that operate outside our conscious awareness.

We all have them, and they can influence our decisions in ways we do not realize. For example, affinity bias might lead us to favor someone similar to ourselves during hiring.

Conscious bias training helps employees recognize these biases by explaining how they work and providing examples of common ones, such as gender or confirmation bias.

Once employees are aware of unconscious biases, training empowers them to address them and make fairer decisions. This often involves learning practical strategies. Here are a few examples.

• Slowing Down: Unconscious bias thrives on quick judgments. Unconscious bias training can encourage employees to pause and gather more information before making decisions.
• Considering Multiple Perspectives: They can challenge their assumptions by encouraging employees to see things from different viewpoints.
• Utilizing Structured Tools: Unconscious bias training can introduce structured tools for hiring, evaluation, and performance management that help reduce the influence of bias.

Conscious bias training is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. However, by raising awareness and equipping employees with the right tools, organizations can take a significant step towards creating a more fair and inclusive work culture.

3. The Name Story

“The Name Story” is a team-building inclusion activity that encourages colleagues to share the stories behind their names. It is a simple yet powerful way to foster connections and learn more about each other.

“The Name Story” revolves around team members sharing the origin, meaning, and any interesting anecdotes related to their names. This could include the following.

• Family Traditions: Did their name get passed down through generations?
• Cultural Significance: Does their name hold a special meaning in their culture?
• Funny Stories: Are there any humorous or unusual stories about how they got their name?
• Nickname Explanations: Where did their nickname come from?

“The Name Story” is a simple yet impactful team-building activity. By sharing the stories behind our names, we can build stronger connections, foster empathy, and create a more inclusive work environment.

4. Cultural Cuisine Exchange

The “Cultural Cuisine Exchange” is an activity where employees celebrate diversity by sharing traditional food, music, and customs, fostering understanding and appreciation for each other’s heritage.

The heart of the “Cultural Cuisine Exchange” lies in celebrating diverse holidays and the unique cultures of your team members. This can be achieved through the following.

• Culinary Delights: Employees bring in dishes that represent their cultural background. From fragrant curries to hearty stews, it is a culinary journey worldwide.
• Musical Tapestry: Traditional music sets the tone, transporting participants to different cultural landscapes. Instrumental pieces, folk songs, or even a playlist curated by each team member can add a lively dimension.
• Customs and Traditions: Encourage diverse team members to share interesting cultural customs or traditions related to food, celebrations, or everyday life. This can spark curiosity and open doors to a deeper knowledge of different ways of life.

Diverse employees can build stronger connections, foster understanding, and create a more inclusive and vibrant work environment by sharing a taste of their heritage.

5. Diversity Calendar

A “Diversity Calendar” is a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity and celebrating an organization’s rich tapestry of cultures.

This tool highlights important holidays, heritage months, and cultural observances throughout the year, fostering education and appreciation for diversity.

The “Diversity Calendar” goes beyond traditional holidays by acknowledging significant cultural and religious observances. This can include the following.

• Religious Holidays: From Diwali (Hinduism) to Eid al-Fitr (Islam) and Hanukkah (Judaism), the calendar recognizes the important holidays of different faiths.
• Heritage Months: Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Arab American Heritage Month are some examples of designated months to celebrate specific cultural heritages.
• Awareness Days: International Women’s Day, Pride Month, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities boost awareness of various social identities and experiences.

Organizations can achieve these goals by including these diversity team-building activities in the company calendar.

• Education: Employees gain exposure to different cultures and traditions, fostering a deeper knowledge and appreciation.
• Inclusivity: Acknowledging diverse holidays sends a message of inclusivity, making all employees feel valued and respected.
• Open Dialogue: The calendar can spark conversations about different cultures and experiences, promoting open dialogue and breaking down stereotypes.

You can create a healthier, more inclusive, and successful team by acknowledging and appreciating your organization’s rich tapestry of cultures.

6. Diversity Trivia

“Diversity Trivia” is a fun and engaging activity that ignites curiosity and sparks discovery about different identities and backgrounds, all through friendly competition with culturally focused questions.

Forget typical trivia nights. “Diversity Trivia” dives into a pool of questions celebrating cultural diversity. Here are some examples.

• Flags and Countries: Can your team identify countries based on their flags or national anthems?
• Culinary Delights: What is Peru’s national dish? Or the main ingredient in a traditional Japanese breakfast?
• Customs and Traditions: How do people greet each other in different cultures? What are some interesting holiday traditions around the world?
• Famous Figures: Who were prominent in various social justice movements throughout history?

In today’s digital world, virtual trivia platforms offer a convenient and accessible way to host a “Diversity Trivia” night. Here is how you can incorporate virtual trivia into your event.

• Choose a Platform: Explore online trivia platforms allowing remote participation.
• Create Diverse Rounds: Design trivia rounds encompassing various cultures and identities.
• Encourage Participation: Promote the event well beforehand and make it easy for team members to join virtually.

Whether held in person or virtually, “Diversity Trivia” is an influential tool for promoting inclusivity and learning.

7. Hidden Talent Discovery

“Hidden Talent Discovery” dives beyond resumes to unearth employees’ unique skills and passions, fostering a culture where everyone shines regardless of their role.

“Hidden Talent Discovery” goes a step further. It recognizes that employees possess many abilities and interests that may not be immediately apparent. This could include the following.

• Artistic Pursuits: Perhaps your accountant is a gifted painter or your marketing specialist a talented musician.
• Technical Expertise: An administrative assistant might be a whiz at coding, or a customer service rep might have deep knowledge of car mechanics.
• Leadership Potential: Someone quiet and reserved in meetings might be a natural leader when organizing a charity event.

Here are some ways to implement a “Hidden Talent Discovery” DEI program.

• Talent Showcases: Organize diversity and inclusion activities where employees can showcase their diverse talents, fostering a supportive and appreciative environment.
• Skills Inventory: Create a platform where employees can share their diverse skill sets, making it easier to identify hidden gems.
• Internal Collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental projects where employees can leverage their diverse talents to contribute in new ways.

“Hidden Talent Discovery” is more than just finding untapped potential; it is about celebrating the uniqueness of your workforce.

8. Inclusive Language Training

Inclusive language training empowers employees to communicate respectfully and understand in the diverse workplace. It promotes a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

This training tackles the issue of biased or exclusionary language. Inclusion efforts typically cover the following.

• The Impact of Words: Participants learn how seemingly harmless phrases or stereotypes can hurt colleagues.
• Understanding Identity: Training explores the importance of respecting diverse identities related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and more.
• Alternatives and Best Practices: Inclusion activities provide clear guidance and practical tools for using inclusive language. This can include using gender-neutral pronouns, avoiding jargon, and opting for person-first language.

By prioritizing inclusive language, organizations reap many rewards.

• Respectful Workplace: Inclusive language fosters a more respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.
• Improved Collaboration: Effective communication across diverse groups improves team bonding and problem-solving.
• Enhanced Employer Brand: A commitment to inclusive language demonstrates a company’s dedication to diversity and equity, attracting top talent.
• Reduced Bias: By raising awareness of biased language, the training can help mitigate unconscious bias in the workplace.

Organizations can foster a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best by equipping employees with the tools for effective communication.

9. Inclusive Leadership Workshops

“Inclusive Leadership Workshops” equip managers with the skills to build truly inclusive teams, fostering a space where everyone feels loved and supported regardless of background or identity.

Inclusive leadership goes beyond simple management practices. These diversity team-building activities focus on developing key skills such as the following.

• Understanding Diversity: Leaders gain a deeper understanding of diversity and its various dimensions, including race, gender, ethnicity, and ability.
• Creating a Safe Space: Training equips leaders with strategies to create a workplace environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives and concerns.
• Microaggression Awareness: Leaders learn to identify and address microaggressions, subtle forms of bias that can create a hostile environment.
• Supporting Diverse Groups: These inclusion and diversity activities guide how to tailor leadership styles to support diverse team members’ unique needs and strengths.

By fostering inclusive leadership, organizations can reap these significant benefits.

• Employee Engagement: Employees who feel included are more engaged, motivated, and productive.
• Improved Decision-making: Diverse groups bring a wider range of perspectives, leading to better decision-making.
• Enhanced Innovation: Inclusive environments foster creativity and innovation by encouraging the exchange of different ideas and experiences.
• Stronger Employer Brand: A commitment to inclusive leadership attracts top talent who value diversity and equity.

These DEI activities can be conducted in person or even through virtual conferences.

Regardless of the format, these inclusion activities are effective for creating a more inclusive and successful organization.

10. Disability Awareness Training

“Disability Awareness Training” equips individuals with the knowledge and sensitivity to understand and interact effectively with people with disabilities.

By raising awareness of the challenges this diverse group faces, the training fosters empathy, promotes inclusion, and creates a more accessible workplace.

This training goes beyond stereotypes. It provides a comprehensive overview of disabilities, encompassing various categories.

• Physical Disabilities: These disabilities include mobility limitations, vision or hearing impairments, and chronic illnesses.
• Learning Disabilities: These disabilities affect how individuals process information, including dyslexia, ADHD, and dysgraphia.
• Neurodiversity: This refers to variations in brain function, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dysgraphia, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Mental Health Disabilities: These include anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder.

By implementing “Disability Awareness Training,” organizations reap the following rewards.

• Increased Talent Pool: A welcoming and accessible environment attracts a wider range of qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.
• Improved Productivity: When employees with disabilities feel supported and included, they are more likely to be productive and engaged.
• Enhanced Innovation: Diverse teams with various perspectives foster creativity and innovative solutions.
• Positive Employer Brand: A commitment to disability inclusion demonstrates a company’s social responsibility and attracts top talent.

By fostering empathy and understanding, organizations can build an atmosphere where everyone feels cherished, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

11. Pride Art Expression

“Pride Art Expression” is a vibrant explosion of creativity that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through various artistic mediums.

This activity is a space for self-expression, collaboration, and open communication, allowing individuals to showcase their identities and experiences in a powerful and visually captivating way.

“Pride Art Expression” transcends singular styles or techniques. It is a platform for the vast diversity within the LGBTQ+ community to be represented. Here are some common forms.

• Visual Arts: Paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital art allow artists to express their unique perspectives on gender identity, sexuality, and the LGBTQ+ experience.
• Performance Art: From drag performances and spoken word poetry to dance and music, this art form gives voice to real-life stories and often underrepresented emotions.
• Street Art: Murals, graffiti, and other public art forms raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and create a sense of visibility and community in urban spaces.

“Pride Art Expression” offers these benefits for the LGBTQ+ community and society.

• Self-discovery and Empowerment: Art provides a powerful outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their identities and celebrate their uniqueness.
• Building Community: Creating art together promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Visibility and Education: Pride Art Expression raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and educates the public about the community’s diversity.
• Breaking Down Barriers: Art can challenge stereotypes and societal norms, fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

“Pride Art Expression” is more than just creating beautiful works; it is about celebrating diversity, fostering connection, and creating a world where everyone feels empowered to express their true selves.

12. Cultural Exchange Mentorship

“Cultural Exchange Mentorship” is a powerful program that fosters cross-cultural understanding and relationship-building within organizations.

This program pairs employees from diverse backgrounds in mentoring relationships, creating a space for mutual learning and growth.

This unique mentorship program goes beyond traditional models. Here is how it works.

• Cross-Cultural Pairs: Employees from different cultural backgrounds are matched as mentor-mentee pairs. This permits a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives.
• Learning from Each Other: Mentors share their cultural knowledge and insights while mentees gain a deeper understanding of a different culture. This can include navigating workplace norms, communication styles, and cultural etiquette.
• Enhance Team Bonding: Regular interactions between mentor and mentee foster trust, respect, and a sense of belonging within the diverse workforce.

Organizations reap these rewards by implementing a “Cultural Exchange Mentorship” program.

• Enhanced Communication: Understanding cultural differences leads to clearer team communication and collaboration.
• Global Mindset: Employees develop a global mindset, preparing them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Innovation and Creativity: The exchange of diverse perspectives fosters innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Employee Retention: Feeling valued and supported in a culturally diverse environment increases employee satisfaction and retention.

By fostering cross-cultural understanding and relationships, organizations can create a thriving and innovative atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and empowered to contribute their best.

13. Diversity Book Club

A “Diversity Book Club” is a vibrant forum that fosters learning and discussion around diversity and inclusion.

This activity brings employees together to explore these crucial topics through the engaging medium of shared reading experiences.

The heart of the “Diversity Book Club” lies in selecting and reading books that delve into diversity and inclusion. These books can cover many topics, such as the following.

• Experiences of Underrepresented Groups: Memoirs, novels, or non-fiction works shed light on the lived experiences of people from different racial, ethnic, or sexual orientations.
• Understanding Unconscious Bias: Books explore the concept of unconscious bias and its impact on decision-making, offering strategies for mitigating it.
• The Power of Inclusive Leadership: Publications focus on leadership styles that promote diversity and inclusivity and empower diverse teams to thrive.

Participating in a “Diversity Book Club” offers these benefits for employees and the organization.

• Increased Empathy: Reading about diverse experiences fosters empathy and understanding for others.
• Building Bridges: Shared discussions create a sense of connection and belonging across cultural divides.
• Challenging Biases: Open dialogue exposes hidden biases and encourages strategies to address them in the workplace.
• Promoting Inclusion: The club creates a more inclusive work environment by discussing the team’s diversity and inclusion.

The “Diversity Book Club” is an engaging and impactful way to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Fostering learning, open dialogue, and empathy empowers employees to make a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

14. Cinematic Diversity Dialogue

The “Cinematic Diversity Dialogue” program ignites discussions about diversity and inclusion through the powerful lens of film.

This program combines regular film screenings with insightful guided discussions, allowing employees to explore complex themes, challenge perspectives, and foster a more understanding workplace.

“Cinematic Diversity Dialogue” goes beyond simply watching a movie. Here is what you can expect.

• Curated Film Selection: Organizers choose films that explore diverse themes related to race, gender, ability, and other social identities.
• Pre-Screening Information: Background information and discussion prompts are provided before the screening to guide viewers and encourage critical thinking.
• Facilitated Discussions: Following the film, designated guest speakers lead a discussion, encouraging participants to share their interpretations, reactions, and personal connections to the themes presented.

Here are some tips for launching a successful “Cinematic Diversity Dialogue program.”

• Variety is Key: Choose films from diverse genres and cultural backgrounds to ensure well-rounded representation.
• Post-Screening Resources: Provide additional resources after the discussion, such as articles, interviews, or documentaries, for further exploration.
• Inclusive Environment: Create a safe and respectful space for open dialogue where all voices are heard and valued.

“Cinematic Diversity Dialogue” is a powerful tool for promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. By using the magic of movies as a springboard for conversation, organizations can create a more empathetic, understanding, and, ultimately, more inclusive workplace.

15. Virtual or In-Person Inclusion Party

An “Inclusion Party,” held virtually or in person, is a festive celebration of the unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make your team special.

This party is a chance to foster meaningful connections, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive work environment.

The “Inclusion Party” goes beyond a typical office party. Here is what makes it special.

• Embracing Diversity: The focus is on celebrating the cultural richness of your team. This can involve showcasing traditional music, food, and customs from different backgrounds.
• Fostering Connections: Diversity and inclusion activities and games encourage interaction and help team members learn more about each other in a relaxed setting.
• Building a Stronger Team: By celebrating workplace diversity, the party strengthens team spirit and creates a sense of belonging for everyone.

The “Inclusion Party” can be adapted to fit your needs, whether your team is remote or co-located.

• Virtual Party Platform: For remote team members, choose a user-friendly virtual platform allowing interactive games, group discussions, and even virtual backgrounds to represent different cultures.
• In-Person Celebration: For a traditional gathering, create a welcoming space where team members share dishes, music, and stories.
• Hybrid Approach: A hybrid approach allows in-person and remote teams to participate through video conferencing while enjoying localized diversity and inclusion activities.

An “Inclusion Party” is more than just a party; it is an investment in your team. Fostering diversity and connections creates a more inclusive and vibrant workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Key Takeaways on Diversity and Inclusion Activities

By incorporating these DEI initiatives and team-building tips into your company culture, you are not just checking a box; you are investing in the success of your organization.

A diverse and inclusive workforce fosters a multitude of benefits.

• Enhanced Innovation: When employees from different backgrounds share their perspectives and experiences, it leads to a richer pool of ideas and a more innovative environment.
• Increased Employee Engagement: Feeling valued and respected for their unique contributions leads to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
• Stronger Teams: By fostering team bonding and understanding, these diversity and inclusion activities help build stronger, more cohesive teams that achieve exceptional results.

Remember, diversity and inclusion are journeys, not destinations. An ongoing commitment to implementing DEI initiatives is essential to creating a supportive and empowering work environment for all employees.

Ready to take the next step? Escapely offers various engaging and customizable diversity team-building activities to promote diversity and inclusion within your organization. Contact Escapely today to learn how we can assist you in building a stronger, more successful team!