Reimagining DEI: Start with Dignity

"What is the minimum extent of flexibility we can get away with?"

“Is “equity” a suitable organizational goal?”

"What work roles suit which demographic groups?"

"Are disability accommodations really necessary?"

Sadly, organizations often end up tangled in “diversity debates” that reflect the lack of understanding of a fundamental issue: the inalienable dignity of every individual.

Dignity isn't something you grant or withhold; it’s the DNA of our shared humanity. Yet, too often, conversations about DEI overlook this simple truth.

Instead of debating the limits of diversity – or equity - we should ask ourselves: "Is anyone less deserving of dignity than others?" This question forces us to confront our biases and rethink the very foundations of diversity and inclusion. It’s not about whether someone "fits" into our vision or definitions of diversity—it's about recognizing their inherent worth as a person.

Dignity isn't a favor we may or may not bestow; it’s a reality we must honor.

Looking Through the Lens of Dignity

What if our focus shifted from buzzwords and checkboxes to the essence of dignity?

The questions that dominate the DEI landscape would transform. Rather than debating the place of diversity or equity in our organizations, we'd be compelled to ask: "Are we honoring every individual’s inherent dignity?"

When dignity is the lens, the rights and wrongs of organizational life become much clearer, and the wrongs are much harder to explain away. Just a couple of examples:

• The demands we place on marginalized groups to prove their worthiness become unacceptable. Tolerating systems where some people have to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good is no longer “OK because it’s always been this way.” Long-standing injustices are to be corrected immediately – not to be grandfathered in. ?
• Viewing disability accommodations as “gracious concessions” ?to those who "really, really, really need them and can prove it by expanding a lot extra effort" becomes illogical. From a dignity-first perspective, accommodations aren’t a gift—they’re a necessity. They're about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully.
• Pitting disabled people against parents and working students against those who care for the elderly in a fight for grudgingly doled-out crumbs of flexibility becomes absurd. Why not create flexible organizational environments where all can thrive and fully contribute?

Dignity-focused diversity isn’t about compliance; it’s about doing what’s right. And what is right - creating an environment where everyone can thrive – is also the key to sustainable productivity and organizational thriving. Focus on human dignity is also a focus on maximizing long-term organizational success by maximizing the talent pool, wellbeing, engagement, and creativity. After all, much research and case studies demonstrate that organizations designed to work for the most marginalized are best positioned to support everyone, as detailed in my book, The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work.

Dignity-Based Inclusion

When we look through the dignity lens, exclusion isn’t just wrong—it’s unthinkable. In a world where dignity is the starting point, there's no room for practices that sideline or diminish anyone. Inclusion is the natural outcome of recognizing each person’s inherent value; it is the only option.

So, let’s reframe the DEI conversation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are inextricably linked to human dignity. ?And that means moving from compliance to commitment, from tokenism to true inclusion, from diversity-washing to systemic change. In the end, it’s simple: humans matter. And what we do with this understanding matters.

NEWSLETTER ITEMS AND AN ASK:

??Would you help us spread the message of dignity? I teamed up with Julia Armet, PCC, ELI-MP to propose a workshop for the 2025 South by Southwest? (SXSW?) conference workplace track: Dignity at Work: Empowering Authenticity and Accomplishment. A unique aspect of SXSW is the community voting on proposals - and we will greatly appreciate your vote! You can learn more and cast your vote here: ???https://lnkd.in/gv76CvCe

THANK YOU!!??

?? Check out my article for Specialisterne on Celebrating Disability Pride: Supporting the Inclusive Thriving

?? Check out an article by Jeff Rumage on neurodiversity in the workplace that references my work, as well as other sources.