10 DEI Activities for the Workplace (With Debrief)

Are you in search of some diversity, equity, and inclusion, aka DEI activities?

Fostering a diverse workplace is crucial for attracting top talent and driving success. As a leader, you play a vital role in creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equity.

In this article, let’s see 10 team building activities focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They are designed to break down barriers, foster empathy, and create a more inclusive culture.

What are DEI activities, and How do They Benefit Your Organization?

DEI activities are exercises that help create a sense of belonging among employees by fostering empathy and respect. With these activities, you build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

For understanding the benefits of these activities, let’s define what diversity, equity, and inclusion are:

Diversity: The presence of individuals with different ages, backgrounds, cultures, genders, races, skills, etc. in the workplace.

Equity: Ensuring all individuals have equal access to opportunities, resources, and treatment within the organization.

Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.

Some of the benefits of incorporating DEI activities into your organization are:

• Enhanced employee engagement and retention
• Increased creativity and innovation
• Improved decision-making and problem-solving
• Better adaptability to changing market needs
• A positive and inclusive work culture
• Higher brand reputation

10 DEI Activities for the Workplace

Here are some effective DEI team building activities for your workplace.

Before you start, some main points you should consider to ensure success are:

Create a safe space: Encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

Set clear goals: Clearly define the purpose and goals of each activity.

Encourage participation: Create opportunities for all employees to participate and engage.

Mind power dynamics: Be aware of potential power imbalances and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Follow up: Reinforce the lessons learned through a debrief after each activity.

So, let’s get started!

#1. Cross the Line

One way to bring people together is to show them just how much in common they have. “Cross the Line” is one of the best DEI activities to make this happen.

Time: 10-15 minutes

Materials: A piece of masking tape and a list of questions

Participants: Groups of any size

Instructions

• At first, draw a line down the middle of the floor using the masking tape. Next, have all of your team members stand on one side of the line.
• Now, ask the questions one by one and have the team members cross the line if it applies to them.

Some of the questions could include the following:

Have you ever had to overcome a language barrier in your personal or professional life?
How many of you were nervous to start on your first day of work at our company?
Have you ever felt like your perspective or voice wasn’t heard due to your identity or background?

• Then, take notice of how many people cross the line after each question.
• After 10-15 questions, tell everyone to stop and look around.

Debrief

Discuss how the activity reveals the commonalities and differences among team members. Point out that despite apparent differences, everyone is more similar than they may think.

You can also read: How to Implement DEI in the Workplace? (16 Easy Ways)

#2. Surprising Fact

One good way to get your staff to appreciate differences in their coworkers is to get to know a bit more about them one-on-one. The Surprising Fact activity is a great way to do this.

Time: You decide

Materials: Paper and pens

Participants: Pairs

Instructions

• At first, pair up your employees in groups of 2.
• Now, have them spend 5-10 minutes getting to know each other by asking personal, specific questions.

Some of these questions could include:

What holidays do you celebrate?
What kind of food do you eat at home?
What’s a unique aspect of your background or upbringing?

• Finally, have each employee share what they learned about their partners that surprised them.

Debrief

Point out how easy it is to get to know each other a little better. Encourage everyone to just take out a few minutes every day to talk to people of a different culture.

You can also read: The 10 Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Books

#3. Insensitivity Jar

The point of this activity is to find out how often people say something that is insensitive without even being aware of it.

Time: Ongoing

Materials: A jar and a list of insensitive language

Participants: All staff, including the managers

Instructions

• Initially, provide employees with a list of words and phrases that are considered insensitive toward other groups of people.
• Each time someone uses one of these terms, they must put $1 in the sensitivity jar.
• At the end of the month, use the funds for multi-cultural lunch. Remind employees that the goal is for the funds to be zero.

Debrief

This exercise isn’t about the money; it’s about being mindful of our language and its impact. Encourage the participants to be more considerate and respectful in their interactions.

You can also read: 10 Team Building Games for Wheelchair Users

#4. Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Walk a Mile in My Shoes is one of the interesting diversity, equity, and inclusion activities that you can try. Here the participants build stronger relationships by socializing and sharing experiences.

Time: You decide

Materials: None

Participants: 2 or more people with diverse backgrounds per group

Instructions

• Pick 2 or more of your staff, each of a different background or ethnicity.
• Then, ask them to do something socially together over the weekend, such as a meal or outing.
• Finally, have them submit a report outlining what was different about their backgrounds, preferences, food, music, etc.

Debrief

Discuss how sharing experiences and perspectives can help build bridges across diverse backgrounds. Demonstrate that, despite coming from a variety of backgrounds, we can still enjoy the same social experience.

#5. The Stereotype Game

This exercise helps participants become more aware of the impact of their words. It promotes thoughtful communication and fosters empathy.

Time: 10-15 minutes

Materials: Pen and Paper

Participants: Groups of any size

Instructions

• Initially, create a fill-in-the-blank worksheet with potentially sensitive statements. For example, “_____ are the worst drivers” or “____ all listen to ____ music.”
• Now, have the participants complete the worksheet anonymously.
• Go over some of the more obviously biased or prejudiced answers and share them with the group. Then, discuss the impact of such language and stereotypes.
• Finally, follow this up a month later to see if the answers change.

Debrief

Compare the two sets of answers (a month apart), and discuss how increased awareness can lead to more thoughtful language use. Highlight the impact of conscious communication on reducing stereotypes and biases.

You can also read: 14 Best Books on Discrimination in the Workplace

#6. Opinions, Opinions

This activity helps identify attitudes and perspectives on DEI in the workplace. By understanding employee opinions, you can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment.

Time: 10-15 minutes

Materials: Prepared questionnaire

Participants: Departmentwide

Instructions

• Distribute a questionnaire with a mix of True and False questions, with a few short answers included.

Some questions can be:

I think people should be able to wear religious clothing even if it goes against the dress code and safety measures” (T or F).
I get tired of my coworkers complaining about us putting up a Christmas Tree in December (T or F).

• Then, collect the forms and look for patterns. Ensure anonymity to encourage honest feedback.

Debrief

Discuss the findings and potential actions to address any concerns. Emphasize the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.

#7. Secret Exclusions

This activity provides a safe space for employees to share their experiences of feeling excluded. It promotes honest feedback through anonymous responses.

Time: 10-20 minutes

Materials: Paper and pen

Participants: Entire department (can also do it in small groups)

Instructions

• Give each employee a piece of paper and a pen. They are not to write their names on the paper.
• Now, instruct each of them to write about a situation in which they felt excluded based on their gender, race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Then, collect them when they are all completed. Finally, read them all and track any patterns you see.

Debrief

Let your staff know that you intend to rectify any of these situations so they do not happen again. Then, give Human Resources a summary of the issues so they can address them in a revised handbook.

#8. Assumptions

This activity helps teams recognize and challenge their assumptions about others. It promotes empathy and understanding while highlighting the dangers of harmful profiling.

Time: You decide

Materials: Paper cut into circles, and popsicle sticks or paint stirrers

Participants: Groups of any size

Instructions

• Write a label on each circle (head) including Black, Indian, Asian, Elderly, Young, Overweight, Disabled, Muslim, Jewish, etc.
• Next, attach each to a popsicle stick or paint stirrer. Then, hand them out to your team, face down.
• Team members are to pair up and hold up their stick without knowing which one they have been assigned. The other member is to describe them using whatever words necessary.

Debrief

When the activity is over, discuss the stereotypical comments made by the team members to describe their own handle. Reveal how harmful stereotypes are and how everyone should learn not to use them.

#9. Famous Names, Famous People

This is one of the amazing DEI activities for the workplace. It gives participants a chance to find industry leaders from underrepresented groups.

Time: 10-20 minutes

Materials: Internet access, paper, and pen

Participants: 3-10 people per group

Instructions

• Initially, advise each team member to go online and find a brief background on an industry leader who was a minority (woman, LGBTQ, or racial minority).
• Each member will then discuss their research with the team.

Debrief

The point is to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Just because someone comes from a poor country or has a physical disability does not mean they cannot be successful.

#10. If I Ruled the World

This activity empowers staff to think creatively about making the company more inclusive. It helps drive positive changes in your organization.

Time: You decide

Materials: Paper and pen (Or a computer)

Participants: Groups of any size

Instructions

• At first, gather groups together and explain the exercise.
• Each member will come up with 3 real-life ideas of changes the company could make to be more inclusive. Tell them to be creative and to think outside the box.
• Once done, they can turn them in to you. As the facilitator, you’ll review the ideas and submit a copy to Human Resources.
• If any of the ideas are selected, the person who came up with the idea gets a $250 bonus.

Debrief

Explain that good ideas come from everywhere – from the janitor to the CEO and discuss how they drive positive change. Let the participants know their ideas are being reviewed, and one or more may be put into place.

Want Some Unique Leadership Development Activities?

If you want some unique activities to equip your employees (both in-person and virtual) with leadership skills, qualities, and mindset, you can get my new e-book:

The Empowering Guide of Unique Leadership Development Activities: 100 Fully Customizable Exercises That You Can Conduct with Any Group of Employees, Anywhere

Or Want Some Unique Team Building Activities?

If you want some unique activities for your employees (both in-person and virtual), you can get my new e-book:

The Busy Leader’s Guide of Unique Team Building Activities: 30 Fully Customizable Exercises That You Can Conduct with Any Group of Employees, Anywhere

Final Words

By cultivating awareness of biases and behaviors, organizations can pave the way for a truly inclusive workplace. The activities outlined above offer practical steps towards this goal. With some effort, workplaces can become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These efforts will ultimately lead to a more positive and productive environment for everyone.

FAQ: DEI Activities for the Workplace

You might have these questions in mind.

How do I choose the right DEI activity for my team?

Consider your team’s size, preferences, and goals when selecting an activity that aligns with your objectives. Choose one that resonates with your team members and addresses their specific needs. This ensures a more engaging and impactful experience.

How frequently should I conduct these exercises?

You can conduct these exercises weekly or monthly for ongoing awareness. Integrating them into staff meetings, training sessions, or office breaks can also be effective. This consistent approach helps foster a culture of inclusion and continuous learning.

What are some good DEI activities for my teams?

Some good activities are Cross the Line, Surprising Fact, and The Stereotype Game. These activities can help foster a more inclusive and respectful team culture. They also promote empathy, understanding, and collaboration among employees.

Can these exercises be adapted for remote or virtual teams?

Yes, these exercises can be adapted for remote or virtual teams using digital tools and platforms. Utilize video conferencing, online collaboration tools, and virtual workshops to facilitate the activities. With creativity and flexibility, remote teams can also benefit from DEI initiatives.

How do I know if my DEI activities are successful?

To gauge the effectiveness of the DEI activities, monitor how well employees work alongside their colleagues from varying backgrounds. If you observe an increase in acceptance, communication, and collaboration between them, then you can conclude that the activities have been successful.

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