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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—aka DEI—aren’t just HR buzzwords anymore. They’re becoming essential to how we build teams, grow companies, and create workplaces where people feel seen and heard.
But here’s the thing: It’s easy to talk about DEI. What’s not so easy? Turning those good intentions into action. That’s where setting strong, clear DEI goals comes in.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set impactful DEI goals at work. You’ll get real examples, practical tips, and see how workplace software, employee management tools, and even free HR templates can help you build a more inclusive culture—without the overwhelm.
Why You Actually Need DEI Goals
So, why bother setting DEI goals?
Because DEI efforts without structure don’t stick. Clear goals help you:
- Keep everyone accountable (especially leadership)
- Track your progress in real time
- Improve employee engagement and retention
- Make sure your values show up in your day-to-day operations
- Build a stronger, more innovative, people-first workplace
Also, research backs this up. Diverse teams are more creative, productive, and profitable. It’s not just about doing the right thing—it’s also smart business.
What Makes a Good DEI Goal?
A good DEI goal is just like a good workout plan—it should be challenging but doable, consistent, and built around your “why.”
Use the SMART framework:
- Specific – Clear and focused
- Measurable – Trackable with data
- Achievable – Realistic for your org
- Relevant – Tied to your company values
- Time-bound – Set a deadline
You can manage all this more easily with the help of a good human resource platform or employee management software that tracks KPIs, collects survey data, and monitors diversity metrics.
Steps to Set DEI Goals That Actually Work
1. Get Real with Your Data
Before you decide where you’re going, you need to know where you’re starting from.
Use tools like HR dashboards and DEI surveys to understand:
- Your current team demographics
- Hiring and promotion trends
- Turnover rates by gender, race, etc.
A solid employee management software can pull this data quickly and even visualize it for you. If you’re a smaller team, you can also start with free HR templates to do a DIY audit.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask employees how inclusive they feel. Their feedback is gold.
2. Pick Focus Areas That Matter Most to Your Team
Not every company has the same needs. If your engineering team is 90% male, increasing gender diversity might be a top goal. If your leadership team lacks BIPOC representation, start there.
Ask questions like:
- Where are the biggest gaps?
- What’s getting in the way of equity?
- Which issues do employees care about most?
Example Goal:
“Improve representation of women in leadership roles from 15% to 30% in 18 months.”
3. Build Accountability Into the Culture
Your DEI goals shouldn’t live in a forgotten HR document. Make sure:
- Managers are trained on inclusive leadership
- Performance evaluations include DEI metrics
- Progress is shared regularly with the team
Use a human resource platform that allows you to set and track individual and team goals around DEI. The more transparency, the better.
4. Use the Right Tools and Templates
Don’t reinvent the wheel. DEI templates and workplace software can make your life a lot easier.
Look for tools that offer:
- DEI survey templates
- Inclusive hiring scorecards
- Employee engagement dashboards
- Automated alerts for promotion or compensation gaps
Free HR templates can help you jump-start the process if you’re a small team or just getting started.
Real Examples of DEI Goals
Need some inspiration? Here are a few DEI goals you can adapt to your workplace.
Recruitment Goals
- Increase applications from underrepresented groups by 40% in the next hiring cycle.
- Ensure every interview panel has at least one person from a minority group.
Retention Goals
- Reduce turnover for BIPOC employees by 25% in 12 months.
- Launch a mentorship program for underrepresented team members by Q2.
Culture & Belonging Goals
- Hold quarterly town halls focused on DEI conversations.
- Score at least 85% on employee inclusion surveys within the year.
Leadership Development Goals
- Enroll 100% of managers in inclusive leadership training by end of year.
- Promote at least 20% of ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders within 18 months.
How Workplace Software Makes DEI Easier
DEI is important, but it’s also time-consuming. That’s where technology comes in.
Using employee management software or a modern HR platform, you can:
- Track diversity metrics over time
- Identify pay gaps
- Streamline performance evaluations with less bias
- Collect feedback from anonymous surveys
- Send DEI training reminders automatically
All this helps HR teams stay focused on action, not just admin work.
Wrapping It Up
Setting strong DEI goals isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a commitment to building a better workplace for everyone.
Whether you’re just starting out or revamping your existing DEI efforts, remember to:
- Start with your data
- Set SMART goals
- Align your efforts with company values
- Use the right tools, templates, and software to stay on track
And don’t forget—progress beats perfection. DEI work is a journey, not a destination.
Need a hand getting started?
Grab our free HR templates or check out our recommended workplace software tools to simplify tracking, reporting, and managing your DEI goals.
