Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Returns for Area Employers
April 25, 2023 | News & Press Releases
Inclusive ICR, a local coalition with a mission to grow diversity and inclusion in the workforce throughout the ICR region, has announced the return of the DEI Index. The free diversity, equity and inclusion assessment is available to all area employers starting April 18 through May 12. The DEI Index is made possible through Inclusive ICR along with project investors ICR Iowa, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Iowa City Area Business Partnership, and the Iowa City Area Development Group.
The online assessment is available to any employer located in the ICR Iowa region, offering a variety of statements and questions based on five diversity, equity and inclusion pillars. One submission per organization will be accepted with flexibility to save and return to the index to ensure all information is collected for optimal accuracy and results.
Available to all ICR Iowa region employers from April 18 through May 12.
ORIGIN OF NEED + INDEX LAUNCH
Providing access to this annual employer resource was the result of a 2021 coalition survey to Eastern Iowa employers on the need for a cost- effective means to gain insight into their strengths and opportunities in the DEI space. The DEI Index launch in 2022 resulted in 178 responses and 93 customized, confidential reports generated for individual organizations. A regional report was presented to the Inclusive ICR coalition, and shared on their public platform.
While the launch in 2022 was a step towards progress, research indicates there is much work to be done. The 2023 Iowa Business Council’s Competitive Dashboard shows the population growth of Iowa has consistently trailed the national average, and state continues to rank 45th in the nation for ethnic diversity of population. The IBC states, “population growth must be accelerated to ensure economic prosperity while increasing diversity.”
“As leaders in the Corridor, we have the unique opportunity to face these challenges head on,” said Stefanie Munsterman, Co-Chair of Inclusive ICR. “By leading the way in advancing DEI, we will enhance our ability to expand economic strength for our region and Iowa.”
WHO WILL PARTICIPATE IN 2023?
The index planning committee is eager to see new and returning employers participate in the 2023 assessment. For those employers who participated in 2022, the index will allow for some reflection to identify progress and pivots since receiving their report.
APPLYING THE RESULTS
While the build and access of the index were essential to the launch, a key component to the DEI Index includes the connection of results to educational opportunities. From the 2022 regional report, Inclusive ICR was able to develop collation meetings aligned to topics identified as opportunities for area employers to benefit from deeper understanding. For employers with customized reports, the Inclusive ICR Resource Library was launched as a free online resource featuring local, regional and national tools that specialize in one or more of the five index pillars. Employers who participate in the 2023 index are expected to receive their customized report in late June.
COMPLETE THE ASSESMENT
The DEI Index allows only one submission per employer, with the ability to save the work and return before completing the assessment. Employers who plan to take the assessment are encouraged to create an internal working group to review and discuss the assessment questions together, to ensure as accurate information as possible.
