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
- What shared experiences stood out to you?
- How did it feel to see similarities or differences across the group?
- What did this activity teach you about belonging at work?
You can also read:
50 Easy Team Building Activities (Workplace)
How to Implement DEI in the Workplace? (16 Easy Ways)
The 10 Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Books
#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
- What did you learn that challenged an assumption?
- How did this talk deepen your understanding of your coworker?
- How can simple conversations support a more inclusive workplace?
You can also read:
10 Impactful DEIB Activities for Your Teams
14 Best Books on Discrimination in the Workplace
10 Team Building Games for Wheelchair Users
#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
- What did this activity reveal about everyday language at work?
- How can language awareness build a more respectful workplace?
- What can your team do to reduce insensitive language?
#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
- What did you learn about your coworker’s background or perspective?
- How did this shared time deepen your understanding of differences?
- What did this activity show you about empathy and connection?
#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
- What changes did you notice between the first and second answers?
- How can awareness shape how people talk about different groups at work?
- What can your team do to reduce stereotypes and bias in everyday language?
#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
- What patterns stood out in the responses?
- What did the responses reveal about views on inclusion?
- What steps could your team take to address the concerns raised?
#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
- What patterns stood out in the stories?
- How might these experiences affect trust or belonging at work?
- What can your team do to prevent similar situations?
#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
- What words stood out as people described each label?
- How did this activity shape your view of workplace assumptions?
- How can your team challenge harmful assumptions?
#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
- What did you learn that challenged your view of leadership or success?
- How did these stories affect your view of underrepresented groups in your industry?
- How can your team better recognize diverse talent at work?
#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
- Which ideas felt most useful for inclusion?
- How could these ideas improve the workplace for different people?
- What did this activity show about listening to every employee?
Want Some Unique Leadership Development Activities?
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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 premium e-book:
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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I also appreciated the amount of research and resources that were provided. It made the information easy to understand and follow. I will surely be sharing this article with my colleague and family.
Thank you Ryan. I’m glad that you like it.