Creating Inclusive Work Environments with DEI: A First Step in the Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Roadmap

As part of the Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Roadmap, fostering a quality work environment that prioritises Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential for building sustainable, resilient businesses. A commitment to DEI promotes not only a fairer society but also brings about measurable benefits to organisations—improving innovation, employee satisfaction, and organisational impact.

For a comprehensive approach to DEI, we look to partners like Mantra Strategy: The Impact Creation Consultancy, who bring expertise in aligning workplace culture, leadership, and purpose to create meaningful change.. Today we speak with Lisa-Nicole Dunne, Mantra Strategy, Founder & CEO. 

About Mantra: A Vision for a Fairer and More Inclusive Workplace

At Mantra, we believe companies play a vital role in shaping a more equitable society, beginning with how they structure their workplaces. Our consultancy supports clients in creating environments that embrace people from diverse backgrounds—whether they are migrants, neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities, or those from underrepresented minority groups. Mantra’s approach to DEI builds an environment where employees feel pride and purpose, and businesses benefit from a wider breadth of talent and perspectives.

Why DEI is Essential

DEI initiatives are critical not just for legal and ethical reasons but because they attract a wealth of diverse perspectives, leading to increased innovation and productivity. When organisations commit to DEI, they cultivate more engaged and satisfied workforces. Mantra’s programmes are designed to bring these varied perspectives to the forefront in ways that foster authentic connections, challenge biases, and create shared understanding across the organisation.

Mantra’s Top Tips for Effective DEI Initiatives

1. Embed DEI in Organisational Goals: Integrate DEI within company-wide objectives to ensure it’s part of the organisational culture, not just an HR initiative.

2. Prioritise Authenticity: Ensure DEI programmes are genuine and resonate with employees; authenticity builds trust and drives commitment.

3. Develop a Clear Vision: Establish a DEI statement that outlines the purpose and goals, guiding the organisation’s journey toward inclusion.

4. Invest in Training and Development: Train employees at all levels to foster understanding and skills in DEI, building a more inclusive culture.

5. Measure Progress: Regularly assess DEI initiatives to track effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Mantra’s DEI Services

Mantra assists organisations of all sizes in defining and advancing their DEI vision. Our approach includes:

• Conducting baseline assessments of an organisation’s current DEI landscape.
• Running workshops and holistic reviews to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Establishing and advising Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), supporting DEI committees, and delivering leadership training.
• Providing advisory services to managers and training for ERG leads, helping to upskill individuals in creating inclusive work environments.
  
  

For Guaranteed Irish members, taking these steps to integrate DEI is an investment not only in a better work environment but in a more sustainable and socially responsible future. 

As a Guaranteed Irish Member, take advantage of a FREE  independent Strategic Assessment of your DEI efforts. Using our carefully developed diagnostic and free immersion call with our DEI team, we will immerse in your organisation processes, training and efforts with a DEI lens and provide you with a summary of key areas of focus.

This is a FREE assessment and call for Guaranteed Irish members only.  Guaranteed Irish members can also avail of a 5% reduction in our specialised DEI monthly advisory product if required following the assessment.

Contact Ciara@mantrastrategy.ie to redeem your offer.  We will need to confirm that you have a live membership with Guaranteed Irish.

This offer is only available to Guaranteed Irish members. If you're interested in becoming a member, find out more here.