DEI Toolkit

OpenSesame
DEI Toolkit

A hub of resources and ideas to help you develop more diverse, equitable and inclusive workspaces.

While every organization is unique–diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs can generally be categorized into four levels. If you’re not sure which level your organization is, complete our DEI Progress Survey to find out. Then, use the resources on this page to continue progressing in your DEI efforts.

Level 1: Arising

Your organization is beginning to have awareness of DEI. At this level, organizations should prioritize determining if there are barriers impeding the employment, opportunity or inclusion of individuals from different demographic groups.

Resources to help Arising organizations get started:

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How to Write DEI Policy That Works

A recent study found that companies with more diverse workforces are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. However, writing a DEI policy can feel like a daunting task. What should you include? How do you make sure it’s effective?

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The Benefits of Creating A Mentally Healthy Workplace

Despite the high prevalence of mental illness, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding it. This can make it difficult for people to openly discuss their mental health concerns, for fear of being judged or discriminated against.

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Understanding DEI – Centre for Global Excellence

Join Dr. Sudeep Mohandas from The Centre for Global Inclusion as he explores the strange phenomena of the rapidly changing worldview and how, at its core, DEI focuses on what is best for humankind.


Level 2: Reactive

Your organization plays defense, making changes only when made necessary by outside forces. To move beyond this compliance mindset, demonstrate how your DEI strategy can be a competitive advantage.

Resources to help Reactive organizations get started:

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Getting Started with Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

When establishing ERGs, it’s important to ensure that ERG leaders have the resources they need to support their group and drive meaningful change at their organizations. We’ve put together this curated list of the most relevant and up to date resources available.

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2023 DEI Holiday and Observances Calendar

We do not have copy for this yet.

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Create a Trans-Friendly Work Environment

As the  movement for transgender rights continues to grow and become more visible, it’s important for communities to create safe spaces that are supportive and welcoming for people who identify as transgender.


Level 3: Proactive

Leadership and employees alike are engaged and seek to take advantage of the change happening around them to make a real impact. To elevate your program, think about systematic strategies you can use to improve DEI.

Resources to help Proactive organizations get started:

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21-Plan for Disarming Microaggressions

Here is some guidance to help define your key responsibilities as an ERG leader and ideas to help you accomplish these goals. We encourage you to follow this list as we will be continually updating it.

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Engaging Virtual Meetings

Help your team communicate effectively, easily complete work, and raise morale when you can’t be in the same room.  Learn more.

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DEI monthly training calendar


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Monthly Course Calendar


Level 4: Optimizing

Your organization is actively involved in designing a desired future and then investing in strategies to create that future DEI state. You likely already have a comprehensive DEI plan supporting internal and external goals and are committed to continuous improvement.

Resources to help Optimizing organizations get started:

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Become a DEI Corporate Trainer

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) trainers are trusted experts in integrating diversity within the workplace as well as keeping the workplace free of harassment issues. Becoming a DEI trainer requires a thoughtful education and the pursuit of reliable certification.

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Great Res and DEI – OpenDoors

During this webinar, April Allen and Tara Cooper will share how organizations can attract how organizations can attract and recruit qualified, diverse candidates in a competitive talent market.

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CREW – Eleventure

Join social equity expert, Jess Jackson, and CEO of TorranceLearning, Megan Torrance, as they explore how to discuss the intersection of race and other social identities within L&D.


Featured Article

If we’re not careful, our personal biases can make us less likely to listen to certain individuals. These tips will help make sure bias isn’t affecting opinions and decisions in your workplace.

Check out the DEI resources page for even more helpful content!

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