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The language of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is constantly evolving as society and the business community gain greater understanding of the imperative and overall impact of this topic. Commitment to DEIA work continues to be based on culture, time, region, and deepened understanding of the systemic inequities within internal and external ecosystems. While this is not an exhaustive guide to the language of DEIA, it provides a starting point for understanding the most commonly used terms and concepts.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

In today's dynamic business landscape, it is crucial for organizations to recognize and embrace the concept of intersectionality. Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals may experience discrimination or disadvantages based on a combination of multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, at the same time. This multifaceted understanding of identity is essential for creating truly inclusive policies and practices that address the unique challenges faced by diverse employees. Understanding how different aspects of identity intersect and influence experiences can be complex, especially when developing inclusive policies and practices.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Adopting inclusive language and fostering respectful communication has emerged as a critical imperative for organizations committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). However, navigating the complexities of inclusive language can sometimes be a source of confusion and concern for business leaders. They may grapple with the challenge of avoiding inadvertently exclusionary or offensive language while staying abreast of evolving terminologies associated with gender identity, disability, and other facets of diversity.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as Employee Resource Networks or affinity groups, are typically voluntary, employee-led diversity and inclusion initiatives that are supported by an employing organization. ERGs are “organized on the basis of common identities, interests, or backgrounds with the goal of supporting employees by providing opportunities to network and create a more inclusive workplace.” Essentially, an ERG is a collective of employees who share a common identity factor, background, or interest. While many organizations organize their ERGs around traditional demographic factors, such as race, gender identity, or ability, some other growing factors are caregiver status, environmental sustainability interest, career level, and military status. According to current data, 90 percent of all Fortune 500 companies currently utilize ERGs in some form.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

A diversity statement is a concise and intentional description of a company or organization's values, beliefs, and commitments to how they define diversity. It begins with a clear vision of the value of diversity within the organization that includes the “why” diversity matters to the organization, the “who” this statement covers, and the “what” it brings to the organization's policies and practices. It is important that the organization’s commitment to diversity is the anchor point for the statement, regardless of how formal or informal the language used may be.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Harnessing the power of data-driven approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is a paramount undertaking for organizations committed to cultivating inclusive and equitable environments. By employing robust data collection, rigorous analysis, and strategic utilization, businesses can navigate the complexities of diversity and inclusion with precision, purpose, and results. Through a comprehensive assessment of both quantitative and qualitative data, organizations gain invaluable insights to identify disparities, measure progress, and make well-informed decisions that drive transformative change.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

How to set issue-specific sustainability goals that are ambitious, achievable, and align with a high-growth or early-stage company’s overall strategy.

Technology, Sustainability Management

Updated, June 2023

Sustainability Management, Sustainability Reporting, Human Rights

How high-growth and early-stage companies can establish and maintain strong oversight of sustainability initiatives that also cut across many different components of the business.

Technology, Governance

This FAQ sets out the BSR perspective on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. We believe that business is one of many actors critical for the creation of a world in which everyone—regardless of identity or background—has the opportunity for equal participation in all aspects of life, has fair access to resources, and can be confident that systems are operating in ways that improve the quality of life for all, and not a select few.

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

How high-growth and early-stage companies, newer to sustainability, can better understand complex ESG ratings and identify the ones to prioritize.

Technology, Sustainability Reporting

Insights+ provides insights and foresight that empower the CSO to be a strategic C-Suite advisor by crystallizing emerging and cross-cutting sustainability issues, enabling companies to elevate their strategic ambition and achieve tangible progress toward a more just and sustainable world.

In the third edition, President and CEO Aron Cramer and Vice President, Human Rights Dunstan Allison-Hope dive into upcoming regulatory requirements concerning just and sustainable business and discuss how companies can stay focused on actions that will be considered credible, not merely compliant.

Sustainability Reporting, Sustainability Management