10 Impactful DEIB Activities for Your Teams
Are you in search of some DEIB activities for your teams?
Fostering a workplace environment built on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is essential for creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Implementing effective DEIB activities can spark conversations, deepen understanding, and strengthen teamwork.
In this article, let’s see 10 impactful DEIB team building activities for your workplace. They can help you create a more inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
What are DEIB Activities?
DEIB activities are initiatives designed to promote shared understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration among team members. These activities foster a workplace culture where differences are embraced, and every voice matters. Some of the key benefits of such activities are:
Enhances Collaboration
By fostering open communication and encouraging diverse perspectives, DEIB activities help teams work together more effectively. They create a safe space for individuals to share ideas and build trust.
Boosts Innovation
A diverse and inclusive environment sparks creativity by bringing unique viewpoints to the table. This leads to fresh problem-solving approaches and innovative solutions.
Strengthens Employee Engagement
When employees feel valued and included, they are more likely to be invested in their work. DEIB exercises nurture a sense of belonging, resulting in higher motivation and satisfaction.
Reduces Workplace Bias
Participating in DEIB exercises helps team members recognize and address unconscious biases. This creates a fairer, more equitable workplace environment.
Supports Personal Growth
DEIB initiatives encourage individuals to expand their perspectives and develop empathy. This fosters stronger interpersonal skills and greater cultural awareness.
Builds a Positive Workplace Culture
A workplace that prioritizes DEIB becomes a place where employees feel proud and supported. This cultivates a healthy, respectful, and cohesive team dynamic.
10 Impactful DEIB Activities for Your Teams
Here are some engaging activities to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in your workplace.
#1. Inclusive Language Game
This activity fosters understanding of inclusive language through interactive participation. It encourages reflection on common expressions and their impact on creating an inclusive atmosphere.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A list of phrases
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups and give them a list of common phrases or terms to review.
- Ask each group to identify which expressions may unintentionally exclude certain individuals and suggest inclusive alternatives.
- Encourage them to discuss why the inclusive options are more effective.
- Share examples like replacing “chairman” with “chairperson” or “mankind” with “humanity.”
Debrief
Discuss how the activity highlighted the significance of language in fostering inclusivity. Reflect on how the participants can adapt their communication to build a more welcoming environment for everyone.
#2. Culture Sharing Potluck
This activity fosters cultural understanding by encouraging participants to share dishes representative of their backgrounds and discuss their significance. It prompts conversations about diversity in a relaxed and inclusive setting.
Time: You decide
Materials: Space for sharing food, name tags, and optional serving utensils
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each group member to bring a dish that reflects their cultural background or heritage.
- Have them write their name and the dish’s origin on a tag or label.
- Encourage each individual to briefly share a story or memory tied to the dish they brought.
- Facilitate group conversations centered on similarities, differences, and the histories behind each dish.
Debrief
Discuss what the participants learned about their team members’ cultural experiences and perspectives. Reflect on the connections made during the activity and how they can foster greater inclusivity in the workplace.
#3. Implicit Bias Awareness
This activity aims to help participants identify hidden biases and understand their impact through reflective discussions. It fosters self-awareness and promotes inclusive behaviors.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Pre-prepared bias scenarios or flashcards
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team to review a given scenario or flashcard and discuss how implicit bias might appear in the situation. For example, the scenario could describe a situation where someone is given a job because of their gender, rather than their qualifications.
- Encourage the participants to reflect on how their own biases may have influenced their decision-making process in similar situations.
- Facilitate a group discussion by asking questions like: “What are some examples of implicit bias that you have witnessed or experienced?”, “How can we become more aware of our own biases and actively work against them?”, and “What actions can we take to create a more inclusive environment?”
- Conclude the activity by reminding the participants that identifying and acknowledging biases is an important step towards creating a more equitable as well as inclusive society.
Debrief
Encourage the participants to reflect on their personal takeaways and how they can apply insights from the activity in their daily lives. Highlight the importance of ongoing self-awareness and intentional actions in fostering inclusivity.
#4. DEIB Bingo
DEIB Bingo encourages participants to explore diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts through a friendly competition. The activity fosters meaningful conversations and highlights shared experiences.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Bingo cards, and pens or markers
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each group member with a Bingo card featuring prompts like “Find someone who speaks more than one language” or “Find someone who has volunteered in their community.”
- Ask them to interact with others to find matches for the prompts, writing the person’s name in the corresponding box.
- Set a time limit for the group members to complete the card by finding matches in as many boxes as possible.
- Announce the first person to complete a row, column, or diagonal as the winner, and encourage sharing stories related to the prompts.
Debrief
Discuss how the activity revealed commonalities across diverse backgrounds and encouraged deeper personal connections. Reflect on how recognizing shared experiences can promote a more inclusive environment.
#5. Privilege Walk Exercise
This activity allows participants to reflect on their own privileges and understand different life experiences within the group. It fosters empathy and encourages an open discussion about inequality.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: List of privilege statements
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Ask the team members to line up shoulder to shoulder in a straight line at the starting point.
- Read privilege statements aloud, such as “Take a step forward if you had access to higher education” or “Take a step back if you have faced discrimination based on your appearance.”
- Have the team members move forward or backward depending on whether the statement applies to them.
- Observe the visual gaps that occur among team members and allow a brief moment for silent reflection before concluding the activity.
Debrief
Discuss how the exercise made the participants feel and what they learned about privilege. Highlight the importance of understanding diverse perspectives to create a more equitable workplace.
#6. Cross-Departmental Shadowing
Cross-Departmental Shadowing provides participants with insight into the roles and responsibilities of colleagues from different teams, fostering collaboration as well as understanding. It enhances empathy and encourages innovative problem-solving approaches.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Assign each team member a specific department or role to briefly shadow or represent.
- Ask them to share an overview of their assigned role, including tasks, priorities, and challenges.
- Encourage the teams to identify commonalities and discuss how their departments could work more effectively together.
- Provide examples, such as a marketer learning how sales prioritize leads, fostering alignment.
Debrief
Reflect on how the activity highlighted interdepartmental synergy and common challenges. Discuss how this understanding can improve communication and collective goal achievement.
#7. Allyship Role-Playing
This activity focuses on building empathy and understanding by role-playing various scenarios. Participants will take on different roles to address challenges related to allyship through structured discussions.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Printed or digital role-playing scenarios
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into teams and assign each team a specific scenario.
- Ask each team to assign roles, such as an ally, observer, and the person seeking support.
- Have them role-play the scenario, discussing how to approach the situation effectively.
- Encourage each team to share key takeaways or strategies from their discussion.
Debrief
Reflect on how these scenarios emphasized active listening and the importance of allyship during challenging moments. Discuss how these insights can be applied to foster inclusivity and create supportive environments.
#8. Diversity Mixer
This activity promotes an inclusive environment by encouraging team members to share insights about their backgrounds, cultures, and unique experiences.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Pairs
Instructions
- Divide the participants into pairs.
- Encourage each pair to talk about their backgrounds, interests, and experiences for a few minutes.
- After a short time, ask the participants to switch groups and engage with new partners to continue the conversation.
- Facilitate a short discussion about the benefits of understanding and appreciating different backgrounds as well as perspectives within a team.
Debrief
Reflect on how this exercise contributed to building a shared team identity. Discuss its effectiveness, any challenges encountered, and potential improvements for future iterations.
#9. Heritage Celebration Day
This activity promotes cultural awareness through celebrating and sharing diverse heritages. Participants will explore customs, traditions, or family histories in a collaborative environment.
Time: You decide
Materials: Paper, markers, and optional decorative supplies
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask the participants to create a poster or display showcasing a cultural tradition or heritage from their team.
- Provide a few examples, such as traditional foods, festivals, or clothing styles, to guide their discussion.
- Encourage the team members to share personal stories and use markers or drawings to illustrate their ideas.
- Allow each team to present their displays briefly and highlight one key element they found meaningful.
Debrief
Discuss how the activity spotlighted unique traditions and encouraged cultural exchange. Reflect on how this sharing fosters understanding and builds a stronger sense of inclusivity.
#10. Workplace Values Mapping
This activity helps participants reflect on workplace values and identify shared priorities. It encourages collaboration and understanding within teams.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Flip charts, markers, and sticky notes
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team to list values they believe define a strong workplace. Provide examples such as “integrity,” “innovation,” or “teamwork.”
- Have the team members write their selected values on sticky notes and arrange them on a flip chart.
- Encourage them to discuss why these values are important and identify the top three priorities for their team.
- Invite each team to briefly present their chart, explaining their key takeaways.
Debrief
Reflect on the similarities and differences in chosen values across groups. Discuss how recognizing shared values can strengthen cooperation and align team goals.
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Final Words
Building DEIB into the fabric of your workplace culture requires consistent effort and thoughtful action. By implementing these activities, you can create an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, inclusion is embraced, and belonging is felt by all. Start small if needed, but remain committed to making DEIB more than just a checkbox—make it a core value that shapes your organization.
FAQ: DEIB Activities
You might have these questions in mind.
What does DEIB stand for?
DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. It represents a framework that prioritizes creating a workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected.
What are some simple ways to begin incorporating DEIB activities?
Start by fostering open communication through team discussions or anonymous surveys to understand employee needs. Promote diversity by highlighting different cultural celebrations or incorporating diverse voices in decision-making processes. Small, intentional steps create a foundation for meaningful long-term change.
How can leaders support DEIB initiatives effectively?
Leaders can model inclusive behaviors by actively listening, addressing bias, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. Prioritize training programs that help managers and employees build cultural competence. Consistent advocacy from leadership signals the importance of DEIB to the entire organization.
What role does feedback play in improving DEIB?
Feedback helps identify gaps in DEIB efforts and allows organizations to adjust strategies accordingly. Encourage feedback through regular meetings, surveys, or anonymous channels to ensure honest contributions. Act on the feedback to build trust and demonstrate commitment to inclusivity.
How can we measure the success of DEIB activities?
Measuring the success of DEIB activities is crucial in understanding their impact and identifying areas for improvement. This can be done through data collection, analysis, and tracking progress against established goals as well as metrics. It is important to also gather feedback from employees to assess their perceptions and experiences with DEIB efforts.
