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Why Your DEI Efforts Aren't Working: It's Not You, It's Your Brain

Kiltered

Updated: Dec 11, 2024


Are you tired of seeing your DEI initiatives fall short? You're not alone. Despite the best intentions and well-crafted strategies, many organisations struggle to achieve meaningful and lasting change. 


The reason might surprise you: it's not necessarily a flawed plan, but a fundamental misunderstanding of how the human brain operates. 


Our brains are wired for survival, not innovation. We're hardwired to resist change, to favour the familiar, and to prioritise safety over progress. These innate biases can inadvertently sabotage our DEI efforts. For instance, our brains may resist initiatives that challenge the status quo or require us to interact with people from different backgrounds.


Moreover, our brains are not designed for ambitious goals. We're more comfortable with incremental steps and short-term rewards. This can lead to a focus on quick wins and superficial changes, rather than addressing the root causes of inequality.


By working with our brains, rather than against them, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected.


At Kiltered, we've embarked on a journey to understand these cognitive challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. By combining behavioural economics, psychology, and change management, we've uncovered powerful insights into how to create DEI initiatives that resonate with people on a deeper level.


Our research has revealed that by understanding how the brain operates, we can:


  • Identify and mitigate cognitive biases: Recognise the mental shortcuts that impede DEI efforts and develop strategies to overcome them. 

  • Create more engaging and impactful DEI initiatives: Design programs that resonate with employees on an emotional level, increasing buy-in and participation.

  • Build sustainable DEI cultures: Foster a workplace environment that supports ongoing learning, growth, and inclusivity.


Ultimately, creating a truly inclusive workplace requires a multi-faceted approach. Understanding the intricacies of the human brain is a critical piece of this puzzle. By acknowledging the ways we may resist progress without even realising it and designing DEI strategies accordingly, we can overcome the challenges that have traditionally hindered progress.


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