Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – how to use video to make everyone feel involved

From complying with regulations to empowering your workforce, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks are an important piece of corporate policy. Many organisations that prioritise DEI are likely to be innovative, progressive, and attract and retain top talent. In fact a McKinsey report indicated that diverse organisations are 35% more likely to achieve above average financial performance.

How do you get there and stay there, though? Clearly management strategy and policy making provides the foundation of these workplace cultures. At a more surface level, it’s crucial to look at your internal communications tools and how they support DEI policies. Communication happens in a plethora of ways, and we want to look at how video fits in. As the most engaging form of conveying a message, harnessing this medium can make a real difference. 

What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Before we jump into how video can support DEI initiatives, it’s essential to clarify these terms.

• Diversity refers to representation, such as the ways people differ in race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and more.
• Equity means giving everyone access to the right tools and opportunities. It’s about fairness and creating systems where all individuals can thrive.
• Inclusion ensures that diverse employees feel welcomed, valued, and involved in decision making. So, building a space in which everyone belongs.

By using DEI as a framework of principles in the workplace, businesses can create a fair, supportive environment where employees can excel. As a result of improved engagement and motivation, the business will see higher productivity. Indeed, the impact that strong DEI has on an employer brand means that you’re likely to attract top talent and be able to keep them.

Why use video to promote DEI?

Video is one of the most effective tools for workplace communication. Employees are 75% more likely to engage with video compared to written text, according to Forbes. Distributing a video grabs attention and simplifies messaging. In this way it’s ideal to convey sympathy with sensitive topics while exploring complex, sometimes challenging, ideas. The reach of your videos is incredibly broad, accessible for remote or global workers across time zones and working patterns. You may even choose to edit and tailor messages to address specific teams or demographics for interactive, empathetic content. 

Practical uses for DEI videos

It’s one thing to understand that well produced videos can accurately and sympathetically convey messages and support cultural outlook. It’s quite another to put together a strategy and series of briefs to get those videos made. We’ve made some practical suggestions for where to implement your DEI focussed videos.

1. Educational videos

Educational videos help raise awareness on DEI topics ranging from unconscious bias to cultural competency. These videos fit well within training schemes and town hall meetings alike. For instance:

• Use animated explainer videos to visualise concepts like equity versus equality.
• Roll out a series of microlearning clips on inclusive language or accessibility best practices.
• Create a “DEI explained” video featuring employees sharing their personal experiences. 

Educational videos set the foundation for collective understanding and create opportunities for thoughtful discussions.

2. Onboarding videos

First impressions matter, especially for new hires. Onboarding videos with a focus on DEI can welcome newcomers while introducing organisational values and expectations.

• Include testimonials from diverse team members emphasising the company’s commitment to inclusion.
• Showcase accessible facilities and initiatives, such as employee resource groups.
• Offer training modules to equip new hires with inclusive behaviours from the outset.

These videos ensure everyone feels immediately welcomed, regardless of their background.

3. Cultural insights

Company culture thrives on shared values, but it can be challenging to represent those values authentically. Use internal comms video to highlight:

• Employee stories: Hearing personal accounts from colleagues helps humanise the abstract principles behind DEI.
• Behind the scenes footage: Show what empathy and inclusion look like in action at your workplace.
• Celebrations of diversity: Document events like cultural appreciation days to shine a light on inclusivity.

When captured and shared, these moments foster pride across your workforce. They don’t even need to be overtly focussed on inclusion, but simply reflect teams working together in a constructive way.

4. Training sessions

Traditional training can feel dry and uninspiring. DEI video training sessions, however, are interactive, visually engaging, and effective in tackling tricky topics like:

• Recognising unconscious bias.
• How to implement equitable hiring practices. 
• Improving accessibility for customers and colleagues. 

Dynamic elements like infographics and animations can further boost the content’s impact, and adding narratives will keep trainees engaged.

5. Executive communication

It’s critical that DEI comes from the top. Video addresses the challenge of connecting executives with employees, particularly in large or hybrid organisations. 

A professionally crafted message, or interview video, from the CEO outlining the company’s DEI vision can set the tone for alignment at all levels.

6. Remote and hybrid teams

Maintaining inclusivity in remote environments requires additional effort. Video bridges the gap for dispersed teams, with use cases such as:

• Regular video updates to keep employees informed and aligned. 
• Interactive Q&As where employees can ask leadership about DEI efforts. 
• “Day in the life” video diaries from remote team members to build connectivity.

These initiatives help remote employees feel seen and included and build empathy between teams.

The professional difference

Clearly there’s a difference between a smartphone talk-to-camera video and a professionally made internal comms resource. To be honest, there’s a place for both. But for structured DEI practices, professionally produced videos can open the path to a higher scale of empowerment for your workforce. Put most simply, your messages are conveyed with clarity and a professional product demonstrates that you value the sentiment behind your words. Your video strategy will thrive with this support:

• Technical expertise: We ensure quality visuals and sound, which are critical for engagement.
• Strategic guidance: From brainstorming to planning, we help craft videos that align with your company’s DEI objectives.
• Creative impact: We use storytelling to communicate concepts empathetically and effectively. 
• Consistency: Partnering with us ensures a cohesive tone and brand alignment across all video communications.

At Ally & Mo, we specialise in helping organisations harness the power of video to drive meaningful change through their internal comms. We understand the delicate balance required when discussing DEI topics and are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to get started.